Back to school anxiety for children and youth
Feelings of anxiety and worry are normal reactions that most children and teens experience when they are heading back to school. Even children who are usually easy-going may experience spikes of anxiety during the fall when the regular school routine begins again.
It’s common for children and youth to be worried. From worry about teachers and friends, to fitting in, dealing with academic pressure and being away from their families, it can be an overwhelming time. And while staying at home is often thought of as a solution to easing the worry, it’s crucial to attend school.
When children and teens stay home from school because of anxiety they are missing out on opportunities to develop and practice social skills, chances for success, acknowledgments and praise, fostering friendships, and learning basic skills like reading, writing and mathematics.
Children and youth will vary in their level of anxiety and how they cope with changes and challenges. This year, the impact of COVID-19 has increased the levels of worry and distress in youth starting the school year to significant levels as there are unusual challenges with being back in the classroom. For some children they are triggered with separation anxiety as they have been spending lots of time at home during the pandemic. When children go outside, they are constantly reminded to not get too close to people, keep their masks on and wash their hands — this has added fear to their lives. For some children being back in school outweighs the anxiety as they are excited. Children who have already been prone to anxiety will struggle more with it this year.
As a caregiver it is important to recognize and understand that our children and teens may experience anxiety at different times while attending school. Here are some tips that you can use to help ease worry and anxiety when dealing with being back to school:
1. Take care of the basics: Ensure that your child is getting enough sleep, eating regular meals, and has daily exercise. When your child’s bodies are being nourished, it will make tackling worries easier and your child will be better able to cope with anxiety.
2. Provide empathy – listen: When your child or teen is expressing anxiety about school, listen seriously. This is the time to acknowledge their feelings and fears to help them feel more secure. Validation is key when they are talking to you. There are always different opportunities to check-in and listen to your child and most often it is in the times that are more casual (driving in the car, standing in a store line, at bath time or during supper).
3. Help problem solve: Once you know what is bothering your child you can start helping them by develop a coping plan. At times of anxiety, youth can be poor problem solvers – this is where you can step in and help them. Taking charge and helping them come up with concrete solutions will decrease their worry. While you are taking the lead in helping problem solve, you are providing the opportunity to help coach your child through tough situations and teach different coping mechanisms.
4. Focus on the positive: Once you know what your child’s anxieties are, you can help re-direct their attention towards something positive. Most children can think of something good, but sometimes need a little help when they are feeling overwhelmed and worried. You can ask your child: “What are three things you are most excited about in school?”
5. Pay Attention to your own Behaviour: Children often take the lead of their caregivers’ behaviour. If you lead with your own anxieties, it can often fuel your children’s. The more you can model confidence and calm the better able your child will be to handle challenges.
Resources
Some Other Solutions: Child and Youth Programs
Caroline Miller. (n.d.). Back to School Anxiety During Covid: Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/back-to-school-anxiety-during-covid/
Centre for Addictions and Mental Health. (n.d.) Back to School during Covid-19: Helping with children’s anxiety.
https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/camh_covid19_infosheet-backtoschool-children-anxiety-pdf.pdf?la=en&hash=CEAAFD1D652EA833C95CD73BB9CEEF9494F7A324
Anxiety Canada. (n.d.). Coping with Back to School Anxiety. https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/coping-with-back-to-sc