Back to school is a critical moment for many children and teenagers. While it is often synonymous with excitement, it can also cause stress and anxiety, impacting on both their personal well-being and their learning.
In our article, find out how to support your children and maintain their mental health in the run-up to the start of the new school year:
- Common fears by age
- Signs of stress and anxiety
- Tips for supporting your children
- Mental health consultations
What are common fears before starting a new school year?
Whether at pre-school, primary, secondary school, college or even university, your child may feel stressed as the new school year approaches. However, different ages have different concerns.
Young children (aged 3-7)
Young children begin to discover the world of school with enthusiasm, but also with fears linked to separation and the unknown.
- Separation from parents: Many young children feel very anxious about leaving their parents for the first days of school or preschool.
- Unfamiliarity: New places, teachers and friends can be a source of anxiety.
Primary school children (aged 7-11)
At this age, children begin to develop more complex social relationships and feel academic pressures.
- Relationships with peers: Concerns about making friends and being accepted by their peers become more prevalent. Getting on with teachers is also important.
- Academic performance: Expectations in terms of academic results begin to weigh heavily.
Teenagers and young adults (aged 12-18)
Teenagers face a combination of academic, social and personal challenges that can intensify their stress. These fears can be felt throughout the school years, including for young adults at university.
- Academic pressure: Preparing for exams and future direction can be a source of anxiety.
- Identity and social acceptance: Concerns about social acceptance and self-image are particularly strong.
- Autonomy: Expectations of autonomy and responsibility are increasing, which can cause stress.
How to recognize the signs of stress and anxiety in my child?
The signs of stress and anxiety in a child can vary, often being subtle and dependent on age and personality. It is crucial for parents to identify these signs in order to intervene and offer the necessary support. Not all children experience stress in the same way, but signs may include the following.
Physical signs
- Sleep disorders: Difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently, nightmares. These disturbances can lead to chronic fatigue, affecting the child’s ability to concentrate and learn at school.
- Somatic symptoms: Headaches, stomach aches, hives, accelerated heart rate when talking about the start of the new school year.
- Changes in appetite: Loss of appetite or overeating to compensate for stress before returning to school.
Emotional signs
- Irritability: Mood swings, getting frustrated easily and throwing tantrums.
- Sadness or withdrawal: Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed. Prefers to be alone.
- Frequent crying: Difficulty controlling emotions.
Behavioural signs
- Avoidance: Refuses to talk about school or do any back-to-school tasks.
- Procrastination: Delays in holiday homework and school tasks.
- Over-dependence: Constantly seeking reassurance from parents.
By recognizing and understanding these signs, you can intervene effectively and offer the necessary support to help your child overcome the anxieties associated with going back to school.
How can I help my child overcome anxiety?
As a parent, it’s vital to offer your child your support as the new school year approaches and during the first few weeks of school. Here are a few tips and tricks to help your child tackle this transition with confidence.
Open and empathetic communication
- Listen: Take the time to listen to your child’s concerns without minimising their feelings.
- Speak openly: Encourage them to express their fears and worries.
- Validate emotions: Acknowledge and validate your child’s emotions. Explain that it’s normal to feel stressed.
Preparation
- Daily routine: Establish a routine for mornings and evenings to create a sense of security. This includes getting up and going to bed at reasonable and regular times.
- Visual calendar: Use a calendar to help your child visualise and prepare for school events.
- Visit the school: If possible, visit the school before school starts to familiarize your child with the environment.
Encouragement and support
- Positive reinforcement: Praise your child’s small successes and efforts.
- Relaxing activities: Encourage activities that promote well-being, such as sport, the arts or meditation.
- Healthy limits: Set clear, supportive limits on screen time and homework.
Stress and anxiety management
- Organization: Help your child organize their schoolwork to reduce feelings of overload.
- Relaxation techniques: Teach your child relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
- Professional support: Consult a healthcare professional such as a child psychiatrist or pediatrician for personalized support.
Get help from a healthcare professional
Your children’s mental health is essential to their overall development. Appropriate support can not only reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety, but also strengthen a child’s resilience in the face of future challenges.
When should you consult a mental health professional?
If, despite your best efforts, your child’s stress and anxiety persist or intensify, it may be useful to consult a mental health professional such as a child psychologist or psychiatrist.
- Child psychologists or counseling therapists: When the stress and anxiety can be managed through a therapeutic approach, it is recommended to consult a psychologist. Book an appointment.
- Pediatrician and Child psychiatrists: They are experts in the treatment of serious anxiety disorders in children and adolescents as well as depression disorders, phobias, OCD, and much more. They can also prescribe medication and complementary treatments. Book an appointment.
