How To Handle Back-to-School Worries

• Worrying
• Temper Tantrum for young children
• Complain of headaches or stomach pains
• Withdrawn, angry, or irritable
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep

How To Handle Back-to-School Worries

1. LOOK AFTER THE BASICS: FOOD AND SLEEP

2. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO SHARE HIS OR HER CONCERNS

3. COACH YOUR CHILD TO PROBLEM-SOLVE AND PLAN!

Here are a few sample scripts for engaging your child in problem-solving and planning:

• Role-play with your child.  Role-playing a certain situation with your child can help him or her make a plan and feel more confident to handle the situation. For example, let your child play the part of the demanding teacher or bullying classmate. Then, model age-appropriate options and responses.
• Focus on the positive aspects! Encourage your child to re-direct attention away from their worries and towards the positives. It is important to have a balance between positive aspects and worries. Ask your child, “What are 2-3 things that you are most excited about on your first day of school?” Most kids can think of something good. Chances are that the fun aspects are simply getting overlooked by repetitive worries.
• Pay attention to your own behavior. Children and teens learn from their parent’s example. Therefore, it is important for you to model the behaviors you want to see. The more confident, solution-focused, and calm you are able to model, the more they will understand there is no reason to be afraid. For example, dropping them off at school or saying goodbye can be a difficult transition. It is important to remain calm and supportive, but do not reward your child’s protests, crying, or tantrums to avoid going to school. Instead, in a calm voice, say: “I can see that going to school is making you feel scared, but you still have to go. Tell me what you are worried about, so we can talk about it.” It is normal for children to feel worried and how you respond will help them find solutions.

Suggestions for a couple of days before school:

• Go to school and familiarize with the transportation setting– walking, driving, or taking the bus. For young children taking the school bus, it is helpful to draw out the bus route, including where the bus goes and how long it takes to get to school. Also, talk about bus safety rules such as staying seated, talking quietly, etc… When children or teens are familiar with their environment and expectations, it can improve their anxious feelings. 

• For new students, if it is possible, show your child the classrooms, the cafeteria, bathrooms, and meet their teacher together. 

• Ask your child or teen to help choose their outfits for the first week of school. Invite them to select their favorite outfit to wear on the first day.

• Together with your child or teen, pack up the school bag and include snacks and water.

• For younger children who are nervous about being apart from their parents, suggest taking a special object to school that reminds him of home. An endearing note in a child’s lunch can also help with the separation anxiety.

• Most importantly, praise and reward your child for brave behavior

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THE BEST LUCK RETURNING TO SCHOOL!