Starting a new school or playgroup can be a worrying time for children.
After the long summer break, kids have become accustomed to late nights, lazy mornings, treats and lack of routine.
While parents are managing the practicalities of the usual day-to-day routine, running the household, school uniform, and the logistics of work commitments and school runs, the feelings of anxiety that build up in some children can sometimes be overlooked.
Photo credit: The Pragmatic Parent
Easing your child’s back to school anxiety
Heading back to school, or maybe into school for the first time, is a mixed bag of emotions. Some kids get excited while others struggle with feelings of being anxious. It’s important to remember that both of these reactions are perfectly normal.
Think about what could help them on the day
We all have coping mechanisms that help us to feel more like “ourselves” and communication is key. Talk to your children about their worries and what makes them feel safe. We sometimes call this “putting our armour on”. This might include giving them their favourite breakfast to start the day or giving them something fun to look forward to when they get home from school.
Reassure them they’re not alone
It’s completely normal for your child to feel worried or anxious about starting a new school or new term. Everyone copes in different ways so it’s important to recognise the basics of anxiety.
Barnados offers some good tips for parents here 5-things-you-need-know-about-anxiety
Photo credit: Dr Madeleine Vieira
Listen to your child and offer empathy and support. Talk about what’s concerning them and think of ways together that they can manage the situation. It’s important to get across that you can’t always change a situation, but you can change the way to react to it.
Focus on the positive aspects of school, such as favourite lessons and accomplishing new things, encouraging them to talk about the things they like about the school day rather than dwelling on the negative aspects.
Build confidence
The key to helping children feel at ease about starting a new school or new term is to build their confidence by offering praise when it’s due and, more importantly, being a good listener. When children know they can share their worries, they go to school feeling calmer and reassured.
Remember, what might feel trivial to you as an adult, may be a big worry for a child, so be careful not to dismiss their worries. It’s OK to be sad that summer is ending and it’s OK for parents to admit they are sad too but there are other exciting times ahead and much to look forward to!
When you need a little extra help
With the best will in the world, as parents we can’t always make things right (much as we’d like to). If you’re worried that your child is more anxious than usual and this persists long-term, consider talking to your GP about getting help.
Useful links
Have a great Autumn! 🎃🍂
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