Ways To Reduce Stress As The School Year Approaches

While we are still enjoying summer, back to school time will be here before we know it. The start of the new school year brings excitement but it can also bring anxiety. Anxiety and school stress are something that parents should be aware of and look for as the new school year begins. Students may experience anxiety at transition times. For example, kindergarteners starting school for the first time may feel anxious and nervous. They may complain of stomach aches, bad dreams, or cry or just say they don’t want to go to school. This is quite common. Students transitioning from elementary to middle school or middle to high school may actually feel the same anxiety and complain of the same symptoms. 

What can parents do to help their children through this period?  Actually there are several things parents can do. Most of time when students are anxious they fear the unknown. They don’t know what the new situation will be like. Parents can ease this by preparing their children. Make several visits, if possible, to the new school prior to the first day. Try to visit the classroom and take a tour of the building. For kindergarteners there are books about the first day of school that can be very helpful. A visit to the library or the bookstore is worthwhile. If the student has older siblings or cousins that can sit and discuss their experiences and what to expect in a calm relaxed manner, this can be very valuable as well. 

Emphasize the positive. Pointing out to students how exciting it will be to make new friends, experience fun new situations, and learn exciting new things, will all help to alleviate the stress and anxiety. Additionally, letting students know how proud you are and how proud they will be of themselves can be very rewarding and motivating. Talking with children is important. If they have fears let them tell you what they are afraid of. Your reassurance, love and support are very important. Patience and communication are necessities.