Back to school anxiety

Going back to school is exciting for some kids, but others have trouble with anxiety heading into the new school year. This is especially true of kids who are starting at a new school or are already anxious about being away from parents. This anxiety fades for most kids as the school year goes on, but parents can help them get off to a good start.

First, check in with yourself. Kids can tell if you’re nervous about school starting, so managing your own stress is a good way to help them feel calm too. Then, be sure to really listen to kids’ worries. Often, kids just need a little validation (“I know how hard it is to get to know a new teacher”) to feel better. You can also help them make plans for handling anything specific they’re worried about.

If your child is very nervous about the first day, see if you can bring your child to the school ahead of time to walk around together and figure out where everything is. Meeting the teacher early can also help. Another idea is to plan a hand-off on the first morning, where a friend or school staff member is ready to meet your child and give them something to do right away. And when your child does get through the tough moment of separation, be sure to praise them later: “Great job heading straight to class this morning!”

If your child’s anxiety doesn’t go away and interferes with school, it may be time to get support from a mental health professional. Some kids develop anxious headaches or stomachaches about school or even refuse to go altogether. A mental health professional can help you figure out why your child is struggling and provide the support they need.

— Courtesy of Child Mind Institute