Even in normal years, back to school anxiety is common. Chances are, your child’s school year last year was anything but normal and as we head into the fall, there is a bit of uncertainty surrounding this year as well. Here are four ways to help kids (and you) manage back to school anxiety.
1. Check yourself
How are you feeling? Children feed off the people in their lives and can definitely sense if you are stressed. It is okay to be worried, but take control of how, when, and with whom you are expressing your worry.
2. Do a test run
Even if your child is returning to the same school as last year, it helps to run through a typical day if possible. Routines give kids a sense of comfort. What will getting ready for school look like? It is likely your school will have an open house prior to the first day as well. All kids, especially those with learning disabilities, benefit from visuals; so seeing the classroom may help allay their worry.
3. Listen
Open up a conversation about the school year. What are they excited about? What are they worried about? Don’t forget that anxiety can present itself in a number of ways including anger, sleeplessness, and even headaches.
4. Ask for Help
Before school even starts, it is helpful to communicate any worry with your child’s teacher and/or administration. Their teaching is likely meeting your child for the first time this fall and would benefit from that information. Even just a, “hey, Joey is feeling a little anxious about this school year,” can go a long way.
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