Fall brings cooler weather, changing leaves, and one of the things many children dread most… school. As a parent, you’re probably excited to see your child return to class, but it can be terrifying from your child’s perspective.
If the change isn’t too significant, your student will probably adjust quickly. However, going from elementary to middle school or moving into high school can cause a lot of anxiety.
Another common source of anxiety is the school bus. Unfortunately, a lot of social drama can happen during that short ride to school. Here’s how to help your child if they struggle with riding the bus or going back to class.
Answer Questions – Even Before They Are Asked
Depending on your child’s age and personality, they may not know exactly what to ask in order to calm their fears. On the other hand, they may pepper you with questions daily in the week leading up to school starting.
The best way to handle this anxiety is to answer important questions patiently. Know what concerns are most likely on your student’s mind even if they are quiet.
Some common questions to address are:
- Who is my new teacher? Are they nice?
- Will I have friends in my class?
- What if I miss the bus?
- What if I can’t understand the new school lessons?
- Will I be able to make new friends?
- Do my clothes look nice? Will I fit in?
By handling these questions – even multiple times – you’ll help your child feel more confident when the first day of school arrives.
If you, as a parent, have anxiety as well that’s understandable too. Find out the facts you need to know, from who arranges the school bus rental to where the bus stop is and what time to expect the bus.
Take Care of Basic Needs
If you’ve ever faced times of major change or stress, you know it’s hard to sleep and you may not feel like eating. Your child may go through those problems as well. As a parent, you can help them stay on schedule.
Remind them to eat and watch to make sure they do if necessary. Help make sure they get enough sleep and don’t be afraid to offer some soothing rituals (even if they’d previously said they were “too old” for story time and the like).
If you’re struggling with your child’s transition, be sure to take care of yourself as well!
Address the Emotions
Every young person feels like they are alone in their feelings, especially big overwhelming feelings. They simply don’t have the life experience to realize that many of the things they go through other people are feeling as well.
Help them realize that it’s OK to feel the way they do. Remind them that even the most popular kids in school feel this way, even though they may never admit it. Offer a regular chat time with you after school for the first few days so they can share how things went.
By destigmatizing their anxiety, you’ll help it seem smaller and easier to deal with, which is a win for everyone.
Practice Problem Solving
If your child comes to you upset about an imagined mishap, help them talk through what they can do in response. This will boost their confidence and help them feel more creative when they face challenges.
For instance, let’s say your student is in tears because they don’t think anyone will sit with them at lunch in middle school. Talk them through what it will be like to walk into the lunchroom and how they might be able to find their friends. Point out lunch is a great time to meet new people, and that others will also feel alone.
By helping them with concrete steps to take in difficult situations, you’ll help your child in the lunchroom and all throughout the school year.
Be Ready for the School Year
Remember that although the anxieties seem unfounded to you, you once felt the way your child feels. We all have fears about school. Don’t dismiss their fears – instead, use these steps to help them cope.
When you do, you and your student will be well-prepared for a happy, successful year!
Did you like this post? Why not Pin it?
Featured article
No Comments