The beginning of a new school year often brings excitement to kids due to a new classroom, a new teacher, reuniting with friends, and being part of new activities. However, for other kids, the thought of so many changes can also create anxiety. Back-to-school anxiety is common, but there are plenty of ways you can help your child ease back into the school year. In this blog, we will share some tips to reduce back-to-school anxiety and how to make this time of the year more fun for you and your child.
Recognizing the Signs
Anxiety in kids often shows up in ways we don’t expect. Being able to recognize if your child is experiencing anxiety around heading back to school is the first step in supporting children’s mental health during the transition. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Tantrums around events or when separated from parents
- Frequent mood swings and meltdowns
- Excessive worry about making friends or heading back to school
- Stomach aches and headaches
- Trouble sleeping or nightmaresÂ
Offering Support
Children often look to their parents’ behavior to understand how they should feel, act, or handle certain situations. Heading back to school can feel overwhelming for the whole family, but creating a stress-free environment and having a calm approach to the school year can help your child ease into this new chapter. Here are some simple tips to reduce back-to-school anxiety in your child.
Listen, Validate, and Problem Solve: By understanding, instead of assuming, what your child is going through, you can have a clearer picture of what is really causing their stress and anxiety. Start by asking questions, listening to their feelings, and validating what they share. Talking things through can help them feel less alone and normalize what they are experiencing. Encouraging them to put their emotions into words and name their fears can help them gain a better perspective. Once you are both able to identify the stressor, encourage them to problem-solve with your support. Avoid giving them ideas right away; instead, ask them what would make them feel calmer, what could help, and if they feel stuck, offer options they can choose from. Give these solutions a try, and remain open and flexible to finding what works best for their nerves.
Prep for the School Year: Going from a free and flexible summer to a strict routine on the first day of school can be a big shock to your child’s nervous system. To make the transition easier, prep ahead and start incorporating new changes that will come with the new year. Simple things like prepping outfits the night before, leaving lunchboxes packed ahead of time, and waking up earlier can help your child adjust before their first big day.
Reconnect with Friends: Friends are a big part of what makes the school year fun and enjoyable. Help your child connect with their classmates before the school year starts by taking them to a playground or another fun activity. Having a close friend can make them feel more comfortable and have a buddy to lean on at school. If the nerves are high, consider taking your child to walk around the school ahead of time. Walk with them to where their classroom will be, help them find their locker, and even locate the bathrooms. Being able to walk around the school with confidence will take away a big stress and leave them feeling more confident as they adjust to all the changes.
As the new school year approaches, it’s important to stay on top of children’s mental health and give them the right tools to manage back-to-school anxiety. Incorporating these simple changes can make this time of the year more enjoyable, set them up for a successful school year, and teach them coping techniques that they can apply throughout their life.
Contact Ketamine Greater Boston
Take the first step towards reclaiming your mental health. Contact Ketamine Greater Boston today to schedule a consultation. Your well-being is our priority.
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