Summer vacation is over and it is time for millions of children to head back to school. For many the transition is easy, but for some, starting school after a long break can be filled with anxiety.
Usually, children who have school anxiety show a range of stress-related symptoms such as complaints of aches and pains, no appetite, or lack of sleep. In these instances, children are not being oppositional; they are simply displaying their anxieties through these physical symptoms.
Parents can also experience back-to-school anxiety when their children go back to school. The important thing to remember is that children often sense when a parent is nervous. Try to remain calm, and do not pass along your anxiety to your child. When your child expresses to you that they are feeling nervous, listen to them and offer suggestions that will keep both of you calm.
Here are some additional tips to help ease back-to-school anxiety:
- A week or two before school starts, children should get back into the habit of eating meals and going to sleep at an appropriate time.
- Try to take a tour of the school if it will be the first time the child will be attending.
- If the child is very young, it might be a good idea to introduce them to the teacher and their new classroom ahead of the first day.
- Start shopping for back to school clothes and supplies early to avoid the rush when school starts.
- Prepare for the first day of school by selecting clothes the day before.
- Leave home a little earlier for the first few days to avoid rushing.
Of course, it is always important to maintain open communication with your children. Always check with your pediatrician to rule out any physical issues If you would like to speak to a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to help your child with their anxiety, please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.