As summer comes to an end, kids are preparing to head back to school. A new grade, new teachers, and unfamiliar routines can sometimes bring about anxiety and stress. Amanda Enestvedt, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner from Avera Marshall, offers tips for parents to help support their children as they head back to class.
What are some signs parents can watch for that would indicate their child is experiencing back to school anxiety?
Anxiety in children presents in lots of different ways. A lot of times we see stomach aches, headaches, especially without another reason, sometimes they will be really quick to anger, really quick to tears, things like that, or they just have a lot of negative talk surrounding school.
Can you share your tops tips parents can use to help a child cope with their back to school anxiety?
I would say make a safe space so you’re able to talk about anxiety, able to talk about emotions and feelings in general. As a parent modeling that positive behavior: 'You know, I was worried about this, but I told myself I’d be OK and I took a deep breath.' You can also create a routine so in the mornings and the evenings the child knows what to expect. The other thing you could do is visit the school so they know this is the door you go in, we will drop you off here, here’s your teacher, here’s a friend that you know, so they have something positive to look forward to.
Is it common for kids to experience this?
I think everybody experiences anxiety when they do something new, so going to a new school, a new grade, all those things feel new to children, so I think it’s very normal and common, but something to monitor for.
When is it time to seek help from a professional?
I think any time you have a worry about your child, bring them in. We’d love to talk about that here in primary care or you can talk to the school counselor or therapist or a mental health professional.
Learn more about care for children at Avera
