Starting a new school year can be an exciting time for children, but it can also provoke feelings of anxiety and worry. As a parent, you want your Child Thrive at School to thrive academically and socially at school. However, if your child suffers from school-related anxiety, it can negatively affect their ability to succeed. The good news, according to those at Aspire Psychological Group, is that there are steps you can take as a parent to help manage your child’s anxiety and set them up for a positive school experience.
Understanding School Anxiety
It is common for children to feel some level of apprehension about school – after all, it’s an environment with a lot of new experiences, expectations, and social interactions. Developmentally normal first day jitters or worries about a big test are par for the course. However, more excessive or persistent anxiety about school that leads to emotional distress or avoidance may signify a deeper issue.
School-related anxiety disorder is a condition where a Child Thrive at School experiences extreme fear or worry related to school, including situations like riding the bus, participating in class, taking tests, or socializing. Physical symptoms may accompany anxiety, such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue. School avoidance or refusal is common. This debilitating anxiety prevents a child from fully engaging in academics and school activities.
Keep Lines of Communication Open
If you suspect your child is suffering from excessive school anxiety, open up the lines of communication to learn more about what exactly is provoking stress or worry. Having empathetic conversations can help your child to feel understood and give you insights into ways that you can help. Ask open-ended questions and listen without judgement.
It’s also important to communicate with your Child Thrive at School teachers so everyone is on the same page working to help your child succeed. Teachers can provide perspectives into your child’s troublesome areas and work collaboratively with you on solutions.
Consider Professional Help
If school avoidance persists and your child’s anxiety is significantly impacting academics and their emotional wellbeing, it may be time to enlist professional help. A child psychologist can assess if your child meets criteria for an anxiety disorder and design a treatment plan which may include therapy, medication, or other interventions. Early treatment is key to getting anxiety under control.
In addition to therapy, a psychologist can recommend school accommodations such as allowing your child extra time to transition between classes or taking exams in a private room. These simple modifications can make a world of difference in easing anxiety symptoms at school.
Establish Consistent Routines
Structure and predictability breed security for anxious Child Thrive at School . Establish set routines to help your child anticipate and prepare for the school day. For example, set a regular bedtime to ensure adequate sleep and a healthy morning routine with plenty of time for getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing up. Setting out clothes, snacks, and bags the night before can prevent morning chaos.
For after school, build in playtime, homework time, dinner, and relaxation activities at consistent times. Consistency and knowing what to expect can curb anxiety. Avoid hectic extracurricular schedules that leave little downtime.
Conclusion
While anxiety can never be entirely eliminated, there are ample ways to minimize its impact and help children thrive at school. Managing school anxiety is a team effort between caring parents, teachers, and mental health professionals. With the right support system and coping tools, students can build resilience and learn to balance academics with emotional needs. The strategies covered here offer a starting point as you work to reduce school anxiety and promote your child’s success and happiness.