Many of us spend the winter months counting down until summer arrives. Our children mark down the days in their agenda, tracking the number of days remaining until school is done. These precious two months cannot come fast enough. And before we know it, almost in the blink of an eye, we are shopping for school supplies and getting ready for the new school year.
The transition between summer holidays and back to school can be a stressful time for many kids and teens. In the weeks leading up to the first day of school, I often see children in my office who openly discuss their worries about whether they will like their teacher or have friends in their class. In the case of the teens I see, they share their anxiety about getting good grades, getting into the college or university of their choice, and fitting in with their peers.
It’s important to recognize that these concerns are normal – chances are you experienced them when you were younger too! The website AnxietyBC outlines several helpful tips for parents on how to cope with your child’s back-to-school jitters.
For example, make sure you take the time to talk to your kids and teens about their worries. While providing reassurance is comforting, help them problem solve (i.e., What is the worst thing that can happen? If it did happen, how would you handle it?). This will empower your child and make them see that they can cope, should their fears come true.
Be mindful about how you communicate with your child, making sure you do not convey your own worries to them. Talk to them about what they are looking forward to, and help them focus on the positives. In the weeks and days leading up to the first day of school, start preparing by getting school supplies (most kids love picking out new binders, markers, etc.) and getting into a routine (waking up, having meals at regular times, and going to bed earlier). If your child is entering a new school, arrange for a tour, map out a route of how they will get there each day, and, if possible, see if they can meet their teachers ahead of time.
Should you require extra support, do not forget that teachers have years of experience dealing with children who are anxious – so reach out and share your and your child’s concerns.
Alter, Stuckler & Associates are a team of registered psychologists and a social worker that provide compassionate psychological care. We have provided service to individuals, couples and families from Thornhill, Markham, Vaughan and throughout the Greater Toronto Area for more than 30 years. Have a question for our team? Contact us today.
