It’s a New School Year … Will it Bring Excitement or Anxiety?
Most kids are excited to start a new school year. They look forward to meeting their new teacher and seeing their friends, but for some, it causes anxiety, like separation anxiety, test-taking anxiety, social pressures, and high academic expectations. Looking back, I know I had both excitement and anxiety. I loved school, and loved to learn, but also had anxiety. When I was young, I didn’t want to leave home. When I was older, I had a fear of failure and disappointing people because some of the academics were challenging for me. I didn’t know I had anxiety then, but it would have helped me if I knew what it was, why I had it, and was given coping skills to work through it.
School anxiety isn’t uncommon. Let’s look at some of the signs:
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- trouble sleeping
- headaches
- struggling with paying attention
- exhibiting a heightened level of clinginess
- becoming ill (or feeling ill) more frequently
- throwing tantrums or displaying other behavioral problems
- freezing or panicking when asked to answer a question in class
- struggling with school work (anxiety can often accompany learning disorders)
- keeping to themselves at school rather than socializing with other kids
How can you help your child lessen the anxiety?
First, recognize the signs, then talk to your child about the unusual behaviors you are observing. They might be able to share the “why” but with some kids, they just don’t know. Talking about it might help them identify the source of the anxiety.
I know things can be hectic before school, but it will help if you can have breakfast together and talk about positive things to look forward to that day. Make sure all assignments are in the backpack and all supplies needed are there, too. At least in the beginning of the school year. Even better, make sure all that is ready before bed, as well as putting the clothes out to wear for the next day.
After school can be just as hectic but having some type of routine for homework and prep for the next day will be helpful. Most importantly, finding time to talk about the day.
Help your child manage or cope with school anxiety by teaching them things like deep breathing exercises or creating a positive saying to think of and say over and over as a stress reliever.
If you can’t help your child to work through their school anxiety on your own, don’t hesitate to reach out for help to your pediatrician, teacher, or principal.
