Is Your Child Nervous About Returning to School? 6 Tips to Help With Back-to-School Anxiety by Ann Marie G. Halstead

With school right around the corner, many children are already feeling anxious about the start of the academic year and everything it brings, especially because of the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some tips to help kids manage their back-to-school jitters:

• Discuss concerns. Give children the opportunity to discuss their anxiety, fears and concerns about the upcoming school year. Tell them it is perfectly normal to have concerns. Help them brainstorm solutions to anticipated problems.

• Express concerns. Encourage children to constructively express their concerns in other ways as well. For instance, they could keep a journal in which they write and/or draw their feelings about the transition to school.

• Focus on the positive. Help children to see the positive aspects of the upcoming transition: seeing friends, returning to favorite subjects and clubs, going on field trips, etc.

• Plan a fun event to celebrate the transition. A celebration can help kids to mentally prepare for the transition back to school. Consider planning a virtual back-to-school party with friends, a shopping trip for a first day of school outfit, a playdate with a close friend or a special dinner with family.

• Start a school routine. Start children on a school day routine – waking up, eating and going to bed at regular times.

• Get expert advice and support. If your child is still struggling as the first day of school approaches, consider engaging the help of a therapist or counselor who specializes in working with children and adolescents. Children can only benefit from additional support and guidance.

Get more tips on how to help your child cope with back-to-school anxiety via AnxietyBC.com and AdventuresInWisdom.com.

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