Back-to-school can be stressful enough for parents, but a new school year can cause their children many anxieties that could ultimately affect their ability to learn.
While some may equate classroom stress to academic pressure or bullying, Licensed Professional Counselor Gina Bolanos says the fears she finds in most of her clients tend to focus on social situations.
“Kids have a lot more anxiety about fitting in, starting conversations, and being liked,” she said.
In her experience, such anxiety is found most often in middle school/junior high students and girls more so than boys.
Problem-solving and role play scenarios are ways parents might be able to help their children deal with the nerves of finding friends or talking to others, according to Bolanos.
Other common anxieties that come with a new school year include low-motivation and adjusting to the new schedule and daily routine. Below are ways parents can help get their children ready for school while also putting their minds at ease so they can be at their best in the classroom.
Physical preparedness
- Have supplies, etc. ready in advance (items unwrapped & organized/ outfits ready to wear)
- Sleep: Get back on the school sleep schedule for at least 2 days leading up to the first day of school
- Nutrition: Eat well-balanced meals / Don't skip breakfast
- Exercise: Get at least 30 minutes of daily exercise
- "Jitters": Deep breathing to relax (1-5 minutes)
Emotional preparedness (Coping skills)
- Academic stress: Academic planning (agenda), Tutoring, Homework Coaching Set achievable goals
- Social stress (social conflict, making friends): Problem-solving, Role playing social scenarios
- Performance-based stress: Like with academic stress, set achievable goals and discuss how problems or challenges can be addressed (if they arise)
- Adjusting to transition (new school, etc.): Visit School, teachers. Talk through what to expect. Use visuals (calendars) to prepare for upcoming dates
- Low Motivation: Incentives, Rewards systems. Examples: a special breakfast on the first day of school, a special bedtime story, family game night after the first day of school, a play date after the first week of school, etc.