The global pandemic has dampened most people’s mental health, both adults and children alike. Unfortunately, children of this age have become more prone to the effects of anxiety and uncertainty.
Most children will probably feel the excitement and quickly adapt to the school routine. However, transitioning back to in-person school may cause anxiety in some. Parents can assist so their kids can cope with change and reduce the likelihood of stress-induced anxiety disorders.
Children are incredibly resilient, and they’re capable of working through challenges. Nevertheless, they can bounce back better from difficulties and adapt winning attitudes with your guidance.
Here are six positive ways to help your children break free from school anxiety:
1. Discuss How They Feel before School Starts
Starting the conversation with your children about how they feel can help reduce their anxiety.
Let your kids know that it’s normal to feel nervous and unsure of what to expect when school starts. No one can predict how they’ll feel when they return to school, but you can help them get prepared.
2. Plan Ways to Help Them Transition Back to School
If your children start school a week or two before the rest of their peers, you can use that time to help them begin preparing for school. Talk to your kids about what you think will happen when school starts and what they think will happen.
Remember that they are just as excited to be back in the classroom, so don’t create unnecessary stress for them. To help your children successfully transition back to school, plan fun activities to do at home. You can make a list of art projects or other activities that your young ones can do at home.
You can use materials you already own or acquire them using coupons to save money on art supplies. You can even use a whiteboard to take your kids’ minds off school and stress.
3. Create a Pre-school Routine
If your kids go to preschool, transitioning back to school might be more manageable. Transitioning to school is easier if you have a predictable routine.
For instance, if your children go to preschool from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., you can have a routine that includes sleeping in, taking breaks, and doing activities to match their shcedule.
4. Offer to Help Them Pack the Night Before School Starts
Packing can be challenging for kids. It requires patience, organization, and focus. So, if you have time, offer to help them pack. This can be a great way to reassure them of their fears or calm them down with their expectations.
5. Nix the Gadgets
You undoubtedly find it difficult to disconnect from your cell phone and other electronics if you’re anything like me. It’s even more difficult to avoid distractions when your youngster is there.
Instead of letting your children use the computer or phone, suggest that they read a book or play a board game. This way, they have something to do with their hands and won’t feel distracted, especially during classes.
6. Start a Playlist of Upbeat Music
You may have noticed that some children prefer listening to music when they go to sleep or when they’re nervous. Listening to music can help distract your child from their worries.
Let them pick out their favorite songs to be happy listening to the same songs repeatedly.
Conclusion
Parents can effectively help their children overcome the anxiety of transitioning back to school. When they break free from school anxiety, they can optimize the learning and growth from their school experience, which better prepares them to handle future changes and challenges.
My Bright Scholar is a beautiful daycare and preschool in St. Cloud, FL, just minutes south of Lake Nona’s Medical City. It’s our mission to welcome students with a safe, Christian-learning environment. Contact us now to learn about our programs!