As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, many kids (and parents!) start to feel those familiar butterflies in their stomachs. Back-to-school anxiety is a common experience, but it doesn’t have to overshadow the excitement of a fresh start. In this post, we’ll explore how to recognize anxiety in your children and provide practical strategies to help them cope.

Recognizing Anxiety in Kids

Anxiety can manifest in various ways, and it’s not always easy to spot. Here are some signs to watch out for:

1. Physical symptoms: Complaints of headaches or tummy aches
2. Behavioral changes: Acting out in unusual ways
3. Verbal expressions: Voicing worries or concerns
4. Emotional signs: Appearing nervous or overly worried

Remember, kids may not always tell you directly that they’re feeling anxious. As parents, it’s important to take a step back, breathe deeply, and approach the situation calmly. Instead of reacting to behavioral issues, try asking, “What’s going on?”

Keep in mind that the approaching school year means changes in schedules and routines, which can be a source of stress for many children.

How to Help Your Anxious Child

Now that we’ve identified what anxiety might look like, let’s explore some strategies to help your child cope!

1. Identify and Normalize the Feelings

Help your child recognize and name their emotions. Using words like “nervous” or “anxious” and teaching them the meaning of those words can help them contextualize their feelings. Verbalizing emotions is incredibly helpful because it reassures kids that there’s nothing wrong with them for feeling this way.

Share your own experiences with nervousness or anxiety, especially during transition periods. This helps your child understand that these feelings are normal and that even adults go through them.

2. Remind Them of Their Past Successes

Bring up past experiences where your child faced similar situations. For example, you might say, “Remember last year when you were worried about starting a new grade? And look how well that turned out!” This reminds them that they’ve overcome similar challenges before and can do it again.

3. Develop Coping Strategies

Once you’ve identified and normalized the anxiety, it’s time to tackle it head-on. Discuss how you’ve conquered anxiety in the past and brainstorm strategies for the current situation. Some effective techniques include:

– Deep breathing exercises: Teach your child to take slow, deep breaths when feeling overwhelmed.
– Positive self-talk: Encourage them to use phrases like “I can do this” or “It’s okay to feel nervous.”
– Visualization: Help them imagine a positive first day of school.

4. Prioritize Unstructured Outdoor Time

In the lead-up to school, make sure your child has plenty of unstructured time outdoors. This is crucial for several reasons:

– Unstructured time allows kids to just be kids and let loose.
– It also acts as a nervous system reset.
– It provides a break from the structure and expectations that come with school.

Activities like coloring, playing in a sandbox, or splashing in water can be particularly soothing and help reduce anxiety!

5. Establish a Routine

As the first day of school approaches, gradually introduce a routine similar to the one your child will follow during the school year. This might include:

– Adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times
– Planning and preparing school lunches together
– Organizing school supplies and backpacks

Having a familiar routine can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety about the unknown.

6. Open Communication

Maintain an open line of communication with your child. Let them know that it’s okay to talk about their worries and that you’re always there to listen. Sometimes, just having a sympathetic ear can make a world of difference.

 

Remember: You’ve Got This!

As parents, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious ourselves about our children starting a new school year. Remember that your calm presence can be a powerful source of reassurance for your child. By acknowledging their feelings, sharing your own experiences, and working together on coping strategies, you’re not just helping them through this transition – you’re teaching them valuable life skills for managing anxiety in the future. Looking for more advice on setting your kids up for success in school this year? Check out our article on Getting Kids Ready to Go Back to School for tips and tricks to make the most of this year.

With a little preparation and a lot of love, you and your child can turn those back-to-school jitters into excitement for the year ahead. Here’s to a great school year!