It’s back-to-school time, which can only mean one thing: your kids dragging their feet in the morning. But not wanting to go to school doesn’t necessarily mean that a child is just trying to skip class. As the new school year approaches, many parents find themselves struggling with their children’s anxiety about returning to the classroom. Whether it’s separation anxiety, social worries, or academic pressure, these concerns can make a child feel fearful of an otherwise exciting time. Understanding why your child doesn’t want to jump out of bed in the morning to get to class (besides being, well, a kid) can help improve your relationship and foster great communication between you and your kiddo moving forward. Here are our top 5 tips when it comes to helping your kids through back-to-school anxiety:
1. ACKNOWLEDING THEIR FEELINGS
Start by acknowledging and validating your child’s emotions. Let them know that it’s normal to feel anxious about going back to school and that you’re there to support them. Reminding kids that their feelings are valid is key, but also setting firm boundaries and talking through the why of it all helps, i.e., “You need to go to school, so you can learn all about [insert special interest]!” Making it fun for kids – and talking through the reasoning behind going to school – helps with their engagement and feeling like they have some say in how their day goes.
2. UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSE
Take the time to understand what specifically is triggering your child’s anxiety. Is it fear of separation from you, concerns about fitting in with other kids, or academic worries? Remind them that you’re only a phone call away and that you support and believe them when they’re not feeling well, either mentally or physically. Knowing that you have their backs helps!
3. ESTABLISHING A CONSISTENT ROUTINE
Children thrive on routine, so establish a structured schedule for mornings, evenings, and homework time. Consistency can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety. For example, if bedtime is at 8pm during the week, then it should remain between 8pm-9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
4. PRACTICE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Teach your child simple relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or visualization exercises, to help them manage their anxiety. Encourage them to practice these techniques regularly, both at home and at school. Breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth is always a good reminder, for both kids and parents!
5. ENCOURAGE POSITIVE SELF-TALK
Tell your child that every time they have a negative thought to try replacing it with a positive one. Instead of, “Everyone will laugh at me and think I’m silly,” try, “What if my idea is super creative and hasn’t been brought up before?” Or even have your child think in terms of statements and visualizations: “Everyone will love my new idea!” Again, this is a great technique for both parents and kids. While we can’t necessarily stop our intrusive thoughts, we can manage how they control our day-to-day lives.
Every child is unique, and it may take time to find the right combination of strategies that work best. Be patient, empathetic, and supportive as you navigate this transition together. With love and understanding, you can help your kiddo overcome their back-to-school anxiety and become the classroom champ!