9 Helpful Tips to Help Your Anxious Child Conquer the New School Year

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INTRODUCTION

Hello, friends! Back to school is here, whether you like it or not! The transition to back-to-school can be an exciting time, but for many children, it also comes with a fair share of anxiety.

As a parent, witnessing your child grapple with the jitters of returning to school can be both heart-wrenching and challenging.

However, there are effective ways to help your child manage and conquer their back-to-school anxiety.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the strategies and insights that can make this transition smoother for both you and your child.

Understanding Back-to-School Anxiety

First, let’s dive into what back-to-school anxiety entails. It’s completely normal for children to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension as they head back to the classroom.

New teachers, unfamiliar faces, academic expectations, and changes in routines can all contribute to a sense of unease.

While some level of anxiety is expected during periods of change, it’s crucial to differentiate between normal jitters and more intense anxiety that might warrant additional support.

Open Communication is Key

Start by creating a safe space for your child to express their feelings.

Open communication is vital in understanding the source of their anxiety.

Ask them about their concerns, and actively listen without judgment.

Sometimes, simply having a conversation about their fears can alleviate a significant portion of their anxiety.

By validating their emotions, you’re letting them know that their feelings are valid and understood.

Empower Them with Information

Knowledge is a powerful tool in reducing anxiety.

Talk to your child about their new school year: who their teachers will be, the subjects they’ll learn, and the friends they’ll see.

Take them on a tour of the school if possible, and familiarize them with the classrooms, playground, and other important areas.

If there is a Back to School event where you can meet the teachers, see the school, the classroom, GO! Get involved and go to the school’s events. It will familiarize your child with what the new year will bring.

This helps create a sense of predictability, making the unknown seem less daunting.

Create a Predictable Routine

Routines provide children with a sense of stability and security.

As the school year approaches, gradually reintroduce a consistent routine that mirrors their school schedule.

This includes wake-up times, meals, and bedtime.

Familiarity breeds comfort, and a predictable routine can greatly minimize anxiety. Not only your child’s, but yours as well!

Did you see my post about a morning routine checklist? Check it out HERE.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Teach your child relaxation techniques to cope with moments of anxiety.

Deep breathing exercises, visualization, and mindfulness can help them manage their emotions when they feel overwhelmed.

These techniques can be practiced together, helping you bond while equipping them with valuable tools to manage their anxiety independently.

Encourage Positive Self-Talk

The inner dialogue we have with ourselves plays a significant role in how we perceive situations.

Teach your child to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.

Instead of thinking, “I won’t make any friends,” encourage them to say, “I’ll have the opportunity to meet new friends who will like me for who I am.”

Celebrate Small Victories

Every step towards conquering anxiety is a victory worth celebrating.

When your child expresses their feelings, participates in school activities, or faces their fears, celebrate their courage.

Positive reinforcement fosters resilience and boosts their confidence in handling future challenges.

Be a Role Model

Children often learn by example, so demonstrate how you manage anxiety in your own life.

Share stories of how you’ve faced and overcome challenging situations. Let them as you questions.

Your openness can normalize their feelings and provide them with a roadmap for dealing with their anxieties.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

While most cases of back-to-school anxiety can be managed through open communication and support, there are instances where professional intervention is necessary.

If your child’s anxiety is severe, persistent, or significantly interferes with their daily life, consider seeking the guidance of a mental health professional who specializes in working with children. Reach out to your pediatrician for further guidance.

ANTI-ANXIETY WORKBOOKS FOR KIDS

Going back to school after a long break can be a stressful experience for many kids. To help ease the anxiety and build resilience, I have a few recommendations for workbooks/journals that have great reviews and will help your little one deal with that anxiety and worry.

The Worry Workbook

With The Worry Workbook, children ages 8 to 12 will learn about how worrying affects their bodies, are encouraged to listen to their thoughts, and are invited to try activities that will help them push through their worries and anxieties, coming out the other side ready to tackle the world. Activities include:

• Making a worry camera that captures fears and shrinks them into a manageable size
• Coloring in a mood tracker that explores the rainbow of everyday emotions
• Writing on the magic mirror of compliments to help recognize their strengths
• Creating their very own list of anti-worry actions to fight fear and keep smiling

My Thoughts & Feelings Journal

There are various prompts throughout this journal, to help your child reflect on their day and explore their feelings. Some of the daily prompts include:

• A mood tracker – circle the relevant face.
• Space to to write about what made them happy/ something they want to remember about the day / take note of someone who was kind to them / remembering a moment they felt proud / key emotions they’ve felt and so forth.
• Space to write about some things that made them laugh / things that were fun / some thoughts that they had / how they were a good friend / what they did well at that day / some goals or plans they want to make for the following day and more.

Anxiety Relief Workbook for Kids

Each of the activities features kid-friendly instructions, helping them understand both what they need to do and how it will help them feel better.

This anxiety workbook for kids features:

• A variety of exercises—Kids will find new ways to soothe child anxiety as they draw, take quizzes, practice breath work, and more.
• Evidence-based approaches—All of the exercises are rooted in proven anxiety treatment methods, like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness.
• Fun presentation—Playful language and colorful pictures help kids engage with the material, making it easy for them to learn.

RELATED POSTS:

• Mom’s Guide to Back-to-School Adventures: Embracing New Beginnings with Humor and Heart
• Show your Child’s Teacher some Love with These 10 Affordable and Fun End-of-the-School Year Gifts
• End of School Year – Teacher Appreciation Printable ‘Bloom and Grow’ Card – a Fun and Heartfelt Gift for your Child’s Amazing Educators

CONCLUSION

As a parent, your role in helping your child navigate back-to-school anxiety is pivotal.

By creating a safe space, fostering open communication, and equipping them with coping strategies, you can empower your child to manage their anxieties effectively.

Remember that it’s okay to seek help when needed and that your understanding and support will play a significant role in helping your child thrive emotionally during this transitional period.

With your guidance, they’ll be better equipped to face new challenges with confidence and resilience.

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