Most children are going to experience some anxiety when preparing to go back to school, especially if it’s a new school. The first way to help your children with their fears is to talk about it with. Below are a couple of questions that you can ask your children that will help encourage discussion.
1. "What are a few things are you most worried about when you think about starting school?”
2. "What are a few things are you most excited about when you think about starting school?"
If they don’t want to respond to the first question with you, they will probably respond to the second question. You can help your children just by listening to them, validating their feelings, and reassuring them. You may also be able to help them with a particular fear or worry. For example: If they are unsure of where their class will be, then you can take them to the school and show them. You may also want to consider doing some role playing with your children if they are not sure how to respond in some situations. Also, sharing your own personal stories when you were nervous will remind them that this is a normal and natural emotion and that things will be okay.
You can also help reduce your child’s anxiety by doing the following 7 things:
1. Make a list of all the items your child will need to be prepared for school. Allow your child to have input when purchasing items for him/her.
• School supplies
• Clothes- This is a good time to go through your child’s closet and make sure all their clothes are appropriate for the fall and fit them appropriately!
2. Doctor visit/Child exam- It’s always good to get your child’s vision checked and get a hearing exam if necessary.
3. Visiting school- Take a tour with your child of the school and where his/her classes and locker will be. The more familiar they are with everything, the more it will help to reduce anxiety.
4. Bus routine- Make sure your child knows where the bus stop is located or the plans for getting him/her to school.
5. Re-establish bedtime routine- It’s time for your child to start going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. If you start doing this now, it will be easier once school begins!
6. Less TV & Video games during the day – It’s time to reduce this and refocus your child’s attention on things that would be more productive for school. Reviewing materials from last year would be one idea.
7. The day before school- The more prepared you and your child are the day before school, the easier the morning will be. Have your child pick out his/her outfit the night before, have their backpack ready, and anything else that will make your morning more relaxing. The more relaxed you are the first day of school, the more your child will be too!
As always, I wish you the best and much success as you get your children ready to go back to school!
Dr. Nina