Anxiety is normal for children at any age, especially when experiencing big changes like going to school.
Many parents dismiss their child’s feelings of anxiety or worry because it can change as often as their favorite food. But, it’s important to take these feelings seriously and get to the bottom of them.
With school about to start, here are a few signs to determine whether your child is experiencing uneasiness about starting or returning to school.
What’s not normal?
After the first day or even the first week, your child should begin to settle into a new environment. If his or her anxious feelings persist longer, it can begin to take a toll.
Look for these signs:
- Clinginess (or constantly seeking for reassurance)
- Impulsiveness
- Nervous motions (such as twitches or sudden defensive movements)
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Anger or screaming
- Accelerated heart beat
- Shallow breathing
- Crying or tantrums
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
How to help an anxious child?
Talk to your child. Most parents want to eliminate whatever is causing their child’s anxiety. For a child who’s anxious about starting school, this could mean allowing him or her to “play hooky” for a couple of days. But, this only delays the issue. The better solution is talking to your child about her fears and dealing with them head on.
Coach your child. Try to coach your child about managing his feelings. Keep in mind that managing fear and acknowledging that it’s real is different from belittling or amplifying it. Teach her ways to face her fears and reinforce that you will be there to support her as she works through it.
Congratulate your child. If your child successfully faces his fear, be sure he knows you understand how difficult it was for him and acknowledge how courageous it was.
Schedule enjoyable activities. Once the school day is over, treat your child to something she loves, whether it’s going to the park, reading a book, watching a favorite movie or eating a special snack. She will need some time to unwind and relax after a day that may have been stressful.
For more tips, visit Parents.com, Psychology Today or ChildMind.Org.
