The new school year is just around the corner, and for some students, that means anxiety about returning to the classroom. Especially for students with learning differences or social anxiety, the thought of a new school year can be overwhelming. If your child is suffering from student anxiety about back-to-school, you can do a few things to help ease their worries.
Why Do Students Suffer from Back-to-School Anxiety?
There are a few different reasons students experience anxiety around the start of a new school year. For some, it's the fear of the unknown. If your child is starting at a new school, they may be worried about making friends or fitting in. For other students, it's the pressure to perform. Good grades are important, but the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming for some students. And for others still, it may be a combination of social and academic concerns.
How You Can Help Your Child Navigate Back-to-School Anxiety
Validate Their Feelings
The most important thing you can do as a parent is listen to your child's concerns and validate their feelings. It can be tempting to brush off their worries as "nothing" or tell them they're "just being dramatic," but that will only make them feel worse. Instead, let them know that you understand how they feel and that you're there to support them.
Talk About Their Fears
Once you've validated their feelings, it's time to talk about their specific fears. If they're worried about making friends, help them brainstorm ideas for how to meet people. If they're anxious about their classes, see if any resources can help them succeed. It is essential to develop a plan to address their specific concerns.
Encourage Them to Get Involved at School
Another way to ease back-to-school anxiety is to encourage your child to get involved at school. Whether joining a club or participating in extracurricular activities, getting involved will help them feel more connected to their school and peers. It's also a great way to meet people with similar interests.
Set Realistic Expectations
Finally, setting realistic expectations for the new school year is essential. If your student is struggling with anxiety, they may be unable to accomplish everything they want right away. Help them focus on taking things one step at a time and remind them that you're there to support them every step of the way.
Choose the Community School
Anxiety around back-to-school doesn't have to ruin the whole experience! Following these tips can help your student ease their anxiety and set them up for success. Community School Counselors are here to help your child with their school-related anxiety.
Does your child require an individualized educational program? If so, sending your child to a special education school like The Community School is essential because of the many benefits we offer. If you are looking for an alternative to public schooling for your child, we encourage you to learn more about The Community School.