8 Effective Tips to Ease Your Child’s Back-to-School Anxiety

Statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health indicate that anxiety disorders affect an estimated 31.9% of young people aged 13 to 18. The impact of social isolation during the pandemic and changes in study routines have further increased students’ anxiety levels. In this article, we will explore practical strategies to help parents and teachers recognize the signs of anxiety and support their children during the transition back to school.

What Signs Indicate a Child’s Anxiety?

When encountering anxiety issues, children may face emotional and physical symptoms, such as:

• Emotional conditions: Children often feel afraid, worried, irritable, and even angry as a response to back-to-school events. They may become more sensitive and prone to frustration, leading to school refusal.
• Physical conditions: Emotional reactions can accompany symptoms such as trouble sleeping, headache, stomachache, and fatigue. Persistent physical issues reduce their energy levels, making engaging in school activities and socializing with peers more challenging.

8 Back to School Anxiety Tips to Ease Your Children

Back to school anxiety is typical and expected among children. The following sections will provide practical tips for parents and teachers on mitigating children’s stress in this transition phase, including identifying signs, supporting their feelings, and forming good habits:

1. Identify Child’s Anxiety Signs

As the school term approaches, children may show emotional and physical signs of anxiety. Recognizing those signs can facilitate timely intervention and support, preventing further problems affecting their academic performance and mental health.

Common signs parents and teachers should look out for include headaches, stomach aches, trouble sleeping, and changes in appetite and behaviors. Besides, children’s social life quality matters about their feelings, commonly witnessed terribly in physical and cyberbullying cases.

2. Comfort Your Child about the New School Environment

Unknown surroundings and unpreparedness for new routines contribute to children’s back-to-school anxiety. Therefore, parents should plan a quick school visit to help their child remember the route to the campus. Children should be introduced to their teachers to start feeling the friendly impression of schools. Besides, meticulous instructions to help kids practice basic routines before the first day at school are essential.

3. Encourage Your Child to Connect with More Friends

An anxiety child and first day back to school will not be a nightmare combination if parents can establish a close connection between their child and other peers. Parents should arrange playdates with both old and new friends. Establishing social bonds with new friends before school starts will make children more confident and less isolated.

4. Establish a Morning Routine for School

Establishing a morning routine based on a detailed checklist can mitigate a child’s anxiety about going back to school after break. Parents can encourage them to wake up 15 to 20 minutes earlier than needed, ask them to prepare the night before and double-check their backpacks before going to school. These strategies can also develop independence and time management skills.

5. Listen and Acknowledge Your Child’s Feelings Closely

Parents should actively listen and understand their concerns empathetically. Based on your respect for children’s points of view about school life, you can provoke their belief to overcome anxiety at school. This approach helps build trust and confidence in parental support, encouraging them to express emotions openly and seek support when needed.

6. Acknowledge and Praise Your Child’s Efforts

One of the most effective back to school anxiety tips is to acknowledge and praise children’s efforts in confronting anxiety-inducing situations. For example, parents can help their children reinforce calming practices like breathing exercises and suggest they use the skills before starting a new class or meeting new classmates. Your praise should be specific to build their confidence about the skills and strategies they used to overcome the challenges.

7. Ensure Your Child’s Good Sleep and Balanced Diet

Adequate sleep and a balanced diet assist children in optimizing their brain function, regulating their mood, and remaining focused in school. Parents should establish a consistent bedtime routine for their child, limit electronic screen time, and ensure the bedroom is comfortable for quality sleep. Besides, parents should provide them with a nutrient-rich breakfast to fuel cognitive function and high energy levels throughout the school day. Remember to get the right mix with proper portions and diversify the menu with different choices to please your child’s appetite.

8. Ease Your Child’s Stress During Homework Time

A conducive environment during homework sessions can alleviate stress and promote academic success. Here are some tips for parents to support their children:

• Give them a quiet, well-lit study space with essential supplies.
• Maintain a positive attitude towards homework.
• Watch for signs of frustration and offer guidance.
• Follow teachers’ guidelines on parental involvement in homework.

9. Give Time for Your Child to Be Familiar with the New School

Parents can also mitigate their children’s back to school anxiety by allowing them ample time to become familiar with the new environment. You should encourage children to explore the classroom, cafeteria, playground, and lavatory locations on their own and be proactive about asking questions when they need help.

How ISHCMC Reduces Students’ Back to School Anxiety

As ISHCMC prioritizes supporting students’ mental health, one of our back to school anxiety tips is to promote a balanced life approach where students can manage challenges with guidance and cooperation.

ISHCMC’s program integrates personal, mental, physical, and relational dimensions to ensure comprehensive assistance for all aspects of student life. We provide dedicated counseling services and a responsive community environment. For more information on our program, contact us today to receive a free consultation.