As the first day of school gets closer and closer, some kids start to get anxious about going back. The transition from a fun, relaxed summer break to the new school year can be stressful for both parents and children, but it normally doesn’t last long.
“Parents or caregivers may notice their children exhibiting some nervousness about new routines, schoolwork or social interactions,” explains Johns Hopkins Children’s Center psychologist Erika Chiappini, who specializes in childhood anxiety. “Some of this is a normal part of back-to-school jitters that gradually diminish over a few weeks.”
To ease the new school year anxiety, parents can:
- Start preparing kids for their school year routine a few weeks before school starts. This can include getting back to an earlier bedtime and getting school clothes and supplies ready and organized.
- Arrange playdates with your child’s school friends before school starts. Research shows that having a familiar peer during school transitions can help improve kids’ academic and emotional adjustment.
- Visit the school before the first day of class, practice drop-off procedures and walk around the campus, if you can.
- Come up with a prize or reward that your child can earn for going to school with a good attitude.
- Validate your child’s concerns by acknowledging that doing new things, like starting school, can be hard, but it gets easier and more fun as you get used to it.
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine
Scott's Thoughts:
- I don't remember my kids being anxious about school till high school and all the stress and drama that comes there.
- Does your child get back-to-school jitters? What helps them feel better about school?
- Is your kid actually excited about the new school year? How did you get so lucky?