Beat Back-to-School Anxiety
It's natural to get nervous in new situations, so it's no surprise that a new school year can stress your child, regardless of his or her age. Children get nervous about making new friends, being in a new school, facing bullies, feeling “un-cool” or coping with academic pressure. Here are some suggestions for how you can help your child overcome his or her apprehension.1) Call the school and make an appointment for you and your child to meet the teacher before the beginning of the school year. Arrange for a tour of the building and to see the classroom even if the teacher isn't available so that your child feels more familiar with the space before being thrown into the new school year.
2) Talk to other parents who have older children who have already had your child's teacher. Ask if their child is willing to talk to your child about the new grade so he or she can know what to expect.
3) Make your child work on summer assignments through out the summer. Incomplete summer assignments can be a source of anxiety for students, but complete, well-done assignments will allow your child to begin the new year with confidence.
4) Purchase new school supplies before the beginning of the year. Picking out new supplies is fun for you and your child and can serve as a time to talk about the coming year. Having all of the necessary supplies will also make your child feel more prepared for the new year.
5) Talk to a school counselor or a mental health professional if your child's anxiety does not abate after a couple of weeks.
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