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Helping Children Manage Back-to-School Anxiety

As the summer break comes to an end and the first day of school approaches, a cocktail of excitement mixed with anxiety fills the hearts of many children—and their parents. This emotional roller coaster is entirely normal, but how should families handle it? Experts advise that not all anxiety is detrimental; in fact, a certain level of anxiety can be beneficial and act as a motivating force for action, learning, and growth.

Understanding Anxiety in Children

Anxiety isn't just an emotional reaction; it's a signal from our brains that something may be amiss. Dr. John Olsen, a psychiatrist at AltaPointe Health, sheds light on the dual nature of anxiety: "Healthy anxiety can spur us to take action, while unhealthy anxiety can restrain us, trapping us in a state of fear or isolation."

Children often exhibit anxiety through various signs: irritability, excessive worry, sleep problems, physical discomfort such as headaches and stomach aches, and even clinginess or difficulty with concentration. Younger kids might revert to behaviors seen in their earlier developmental stages, like bedwetting.

Triggers can include:

• - Separation from parents
• - New social environments
• - Academic pressures
• - Changes in daily routines

These triggering factors often manifest in ways parents might not immediately recognize, which can make it imperative to understand the signs.

Practical Strategies for Parents

Understanding the signs of anxiety is just the first step. Dr. Olsen provides practical tips for parents to help mitigate their children’s back-to-school jitters:

1. Establish Routines: Set consistent times for waking up, meals, and bedtime to create a sense of stability and predictability.
2. Familiarize with the Environment: Visit the school beforehand and introduce your child to the teacher to alleviate some of the fears associated with unfamiliar surroundings.
3. Practice the Journey: Going through the route to school can foster familiarity, making the first day feel less daunting.
4. Open Dialogue: Talk openly with your children about what to expect in the initial weeks of school. Sharing this experience can ease worries.
5. Model Calmness: Parents are encouraged to exhibit calm behavior and validate their children’s feelings. If a child perceives their parents are anxious about school, it can heighten their own anxiety levels.
6. Encourage Coping Tools: Teach your child relaxation techniques like deep breathing, grounding exercises, mindfulness, and incorporate visual schedules to outline daily expectations.

Shay Robinson, a coordinator of school-based therapy services at AltaPointe, emphasizes that back-to-school anxiety doesn't solely impact children; parents are affected too. “If parents display their own stress, children may adopt this anxiety, compounding the issue,” she explains.

When to Seek Professional Help

If anxiety lingers for several weeks or intensifies, it might signal a need for professional assistance. Red flags include refusal to attend school, unexplained physical symptoms, or ongoing emotional distress. Early intervention is highly recommended as it can help prevent more significant emotional and academic challenges down the line.

In conclusion, while the back-to-school season can be fraught with anxiety, it also offers an opportunity for families to bond through shared experiences. By recognizing the signs of anxiety and implementing proactive strategies, parents can equip their children with the necessary tools to face their fears and embrace the new school year with confidence.