The ​Top 5 Back-to-School Stressors for Kids & How Parents Can Bust 'Em! by Dr. Sanam Hafeez

While the start of a new school year comes with excitement for kids, it also comes with stress. This stress can manifest itself in stomach aches, headaches, loss of appetite, even depression. Here's some advice for parents:

• Facing the bully: For kids who are bullied, summer break also means a break from the relentless verbal and at times physical abuse that can be crushing to a kid’s self-worth. Oftentimes kids won’t tell parents that they are being bullied because they are embarrassed or fear telling school administrators will only escalate the bullying. As the school start date approaches, pay attention to your kid’s anxiety level. Communicate and ask them what they are looking forward to this school year. Listen for any negativity and seek to understand where it comes from. Ask if they ever witnessed bullying and what they would do if they did. If your child reveals that they don’t want to see a certain group of kids ask why and get as much information as you can. Show your kid that they have your support without judgement.

• Extra work: Kids who once did great may enter the new year and feel overwhelmed with the additional school work. Perhaps they aren’t grasping the material as quickly as they once did. This is common especially in math at the junior high level. Once parents can no longer help kids with homework, they may want to invest in tutoring. Before selecting a tutor it’s wise to have your child be evaluated to get clarity on how they learn best.

• Tuition bills: With the skyrocketing cost of education, many kids listen to parents discussing the stress they feel about college tuition and then take on that stress themselves. Some students may wonder if college is even a right option for them but fear voicing this opinion. Many feel that higher education leaves them ill prepared for “the real world.” Many parents and kids question the value of the six-figure tuition price tag. There has been a slow shift away from traditional education in favor of entrepreneurship. Perhaps an internship at a small business a few days per week after school can provide them with more hands-on experience on a path that truly interests them and can be even more lucrative. Showing your kids there are many ways to achieve success, presents options they may not have ever known existed.

• The unknown: Whether your child is starting school for the first time or entering junior high, high school or even college; anxiety is common when we are uncertain. Anxiety doesn’t discriminate and older kids get anxious about the unknown just the same as the younger kids do. It’s common for small children to have separation anxiety at the start of school and for homesickness to strike college freshman living away for the first time. Touring the school, getting to know teachers in advance, and getting as much information beforehand helps kids to mentally prepare for what they can expect.

• Social status and drama: The return to school comes with the return to more kids and more social drama. Usually in the summer, kids stick to their immediate group of best friends. During the school year, they are forced to get along with everyone. The gossip and constant pressure to fit in can cause anxiety. Simple things like choosing clothing, hairstyle and over all appearance can cause a lot of pressure. Teens especially are trying to get a handle on body image and are often feel anxious about being judged by other kids. It’s important to be supportive and understanding while reaffirming your child’s strengths and larger goals. 

What's your biggest back-to-school stressor?