How To Process Back To School Anxiety

July is coming to a close, and the start of the school year is right around the corner. With only a few weeks left until students are back in the classroom, children might be showing increased signs of anxiety. As a parent, you might be wondering: what do I say? How do I comfort them? 

The most important thing that parents can do for their children is listen. A child might be nervous about going back to school for all sorts of reasons: a new teacher, new friends, a new routine. Make sure that you take the time to understand why your child is feeling anxious and avoid making assumptions.

It’s vital that children are able to turn to their parents for conversation. Your child needs to know that you are available to talk about anything they might be dealing with. And if they do choose to open up, it’s important for parents to be supportive rather than dismissive. Validate your child’s feelings and build up their confidence. Let them know that they can handle these challenges, even if it feels overwhelming.

Children might be feeling increased anxiety this year because of the difficulties of the last 18 months. The strategy here is the same as it is for other forms of anxiety: listen to their fears, let them know you’re there to talk, and work to build up their confidence. It’s important for children to know that they are safe and that everyone is navigating these hurdles together.

The start of the school year is a daunting time for many children, but it can also be a time of joy and excitement. Let your child know that you’ll be there for them every step of the way so that they can focus on the positives instead of the negatives.