According to a 2017 study, one in every four parents stays at home to tend to an anxious child. Notably, anxiety is common among school-going children, and it may be caused by several factors, some of which are beyond your child’s control.
Children with back to school anxieties will conjure up all sorts of excuses to remain at home and may become highly irritable. Though this is normal, letting your child stay at home will only enable their fears even further.
Today, we will discuss some of the steps to take to ensure your child transitions into school life seamlessly.
Start with the Simple Things
A child’s development and temperament is greatly affected when they do not get enough sleep, food, or playtime. All these factors help in nourishing the body and mind, thus making your child more relaxed.
Ensure that your child eats well and gets a good night’s sleep every school night. This will make them less irritable and more likely to listen to you.
Do Not Dismiss your Child’s Worries
How do you react when your daughter refuses to go back to school, simply because her friends refused to play with her the previous week? Well, as a parent, you may not take the claims seriously.
However, your child does not have as much life experience as you. To her, it may seem like the end of the world. Rather than dismiss any worries your child may have, listen and show them you understand, then give them a broader perspective.
You will be surprised at how reasonable your child is with the right approach. This will also strengthen your bond, and it will be easier for them to come to you with future issues.
Come up with a Lasting Solution
Once your child displays any anxiety towards school, do not approach it as a one-off situation. For most parents, the priority is getting their kids off to school for the day so that they can attend to other duties.
However, if you notice any abnormal behavioral changes in your child, you should strive to look into the cause of the problem, and engage your child in creating a lasting solution. This helps to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Essentially, you should talk with your child and develop a coping mechanism together. You should also discuss other hypothetical situations and help your child see the best ways to handle them.
Be Mindful
Young children learn through observation and mimicking. Your reaction the moment you drop your child off at school is very crucial. For instance, if you seem worried, your child may get the impression that school may not be a good place. You should therefore show excitement for their new chapter, and say your goodbye cheerfully.
Take Away:
When it comes to dealing with back to school anxieties, patience and empathy are the secret ingredients. Rather than approach your child from a position of authority, level with them, be a friend, and they will be more likely to take your advice positively.
