The Anxiety of Returning to School

Young people are experiencing anxiety and depression more than any other age group. Students experience stress and anxiety during a normal school year, so with the pandemic, monkey pox, inflation, and all of the uncertainty, it is important to pay attention and look for signs that your child is struggling.

For those returning to school in a few weeks, the anxiety and fear can be palpable. It is important to understand that anxiety is the most common emotional problem in children. Kids can develop crippling worries about many things, from germs to taking a test, to their parents dying. Some anxious kids are painfully shy and avoid things that other kids enjoy. Some have tantrums and meltdowns, and others develop elaborate rituals, like compulsive hand washing or scratching.

As a parent you may be experiencing anxiety in your own life as you struggle with the present economy. This anxiety may cause sleepless nights, headaches, and irritability. Your child sees what is happening to you and can sense your anxiety. It is important to talk to your child and let her know that everything will be okay. Most likely, your child may be worried about separating from you when she returns to school.

Similar to adults, children with anxiety may become irritable and angry. They also might have outbursts and have trouble sleeping. Their physical symptoms might include fatigue, headaches, or stomachaches. Some children keep their worries to themselves, so you may miss symptoms. Whether you notice symptoms or not, the suggestions below will help your child with reducing anxiety as she faces the many changes ahead.  

Validate Feelings

You must validate your child’s feelings while also reassuring her that everything will be okay. It is not the time to brush it off or dismiss feelings that may seem small to you. Allow your child to explain exactly what is causing the stress. Is she afraid of getting sick? Is she worried about being separated from you? Is she concerned that she won’t make friends? Whatever the fear, allow her to talk about it. You need to acknowledge it but also let her know that it is going to be okay. If she explains that she is going to miss you, then tell her that you’ll miss her too. Express your confidence that she can return to school and have a great experience. Also, explain that so many other children are also feeling the same way; she is not in this alone.

Set the Tone

You want to be positive with your child about returning to school. It is not the time to ask probing questions or show your own anxiety, but it is the time to discuss all of the fun it will be to see her friends and her teacher. You need to lead the charge and talk about the exciting things that will take place at school. You can also explain what you’ll be doing, so that she knows you also have things to do. If you are separating from a younger child, you may want to give her a little reminder from home. You could let her have a puzzle piece or a stone. It should be small but something that can remind her of home. Also, remind her that the school day is not that long and after learning so much and having fun, the day will pass by quickly and soon it will be time for dinner.

Create a Routine

Over the last several months, you’ve created a routine with your child. Now is the time to establish a new one. Routines help children feel safe and secure, so establish your new routine quickly. You want your child to know she can count on certain things to occur. After the school day, give her time for a snack and then let her get started on her homework. She can have time on the computer, outside, or watching a television show. Establish the routine that makes sense for your family; however, you must also be flexible. Schools may close again and return to remote at any time, so prepare your child for the possibility.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for anxiety. But, the general strategies above will help you and your child work through it no matter what the future holds.

For More Information: Signs of Anxiety in Young Kids