Tips for Back to School Anxiety

Most, if not all, kids get back-to-school jitters. While many kids may be excited, they are often also anxious or nervous as well.

Back-to-school time can be exceptionally challenging for kids and teens who struggle in school, or have mental health or learning disorders. 

Children and adolescents who have difficulties with the demands of the school environment are again being faced with the challenges that summer activities don’t require: sitting still, staying organized and on-task, adapting to a new/ highly structured schedule, interacting with peers, and more.

Here are six tips for parents who are trying to help their children with their back-to-school anxiety

1. Mental health problems may emerge or exacerbate during back-to-school time.

• If your child struggles with anxiety, it may ramp up

• Kids or teens may need some assistance managing their new schedule

• Impose structure in family life (bedtime, mealtime, homework routine)

• If your child has unusual difficulties in school, discuss with their teacher and a mental health professional

2. Your anxiety is contagious.

• Anxiety disorders run in families, and genetic predisposition is real

• Anxious environments can raise the likelihood that your child will be anxious

• Kids and teens absorb the energy around them and adopt the behaviors that are modeled

• Model confident and calm behavior around back-to-school time and when getting your kid ready to go to school, even if you are nervous for them

3. Homework time is critical.

• Homework time is often an anxiety inducing time for kids and teens

• Kids who have learning difficulties (and even those who don’t) can benefit from parental help with homework

• A good balance between help but also allowing them to try is imperative

• Structured homework sessions help lessen the burden of homework anxiety

• Remain positive and encouraging

• Make sure your child has a quiet, clean space to focus on homework, and assist them with organizing their stuff if they are younger

4. Communicate with teachers.

• You can learn a lot about academic achievements and struggles from teachers

• Get a head start on building a good allyship with teachers in the beginning of the year

• Ask teachers if they notice any social or academic concerns with your child

• A teacher may spot a learning disability or peer conflict before you do

• Children often present differently without parents present

5. Kids’ and teens’ brains change drastically.

• Teen brains begin pruning- strengthening some brain pathways that are considered useful, while eliminating others

• Teens struggle with managing stress and may need some help with it

• Set aside time each day to talk about their day, their challenges, their experiences, any peer conflicts, and provide guidance if needed

• Teens who are in stressful situations but do not have the skills to manage stress are more susceptible to depression, anxiety, risky behaviors, and substance abuse

6. Don’t make assumptions about areas of struggle.

• Kids and teens develop at different rates

• One child may acquire skills at a certain time period, while another takes longer

• Gaining skills at different rates does not need to be a bad thing

• Lag in development does not automatically mean a disorder is present, but it should be noted and monitored

• Discuss and keep in touch with teacher, especially if they are seasoned, because they will be able to give you a better idea of whether it is a concern

If your child has been especially struggling this back-to-school time, and you believe they could use some extra help managing their anxiety, developing social skills, and/or meeting expectations in school, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free, 15-minute consultation. You can meet with a therapist at Amel Counseling & Consulting and talk about the ways we can help your child and family.