Helping Your Child Cope with Back-to-School Anxiety

Helping Your Child Cope with Back-to-School Anxiety Anxious feelings are normal and expected during times of transition or change. This is especially true for children and teens going back to school, or for first-timers starting kindergarten. This transition can be stressful and disruptive for the entire family! Prior to the first day of school, your anxious child may cling, cry, have temper tantrums, complain of headaches or stomach pains, withdraw, and become sullen or irritable.

Worries are Common. Anxious children and teens worry about many different school-related issues, such as teachers, friends, fitting in, and/or being away from their parents. Some common worries include:

Who will be my new teacher?

What if my new teacher is mean?

Will any of my friends be in my class?

Will I fit in?

Are my clothes OK?

Will I look stupid?

Who will I sit with at lunch?

What if I miss the bus?

What if I can’t understand the new schoolwork?

What if something bad happens to mom or dad while I am at school?

Although it is normal for your child to have worries, it is crucial to make your child attend school. Avoidance of school will only increase and reinforce your child’s fears over the long-term, and make it increasingly more difficult to attend. Please checkout more resources and information at the Anxiety Canada website.