Back-to-school means saying hello to the classroom and goodbye to summer vacation. It also opens the door to anxiety for some students. Whether they don’t have a solid routine, have trouble focusing on schoolwork, or dealing with other stressors, it’s important to know the common signs that your child is anxious. “Those can include irritability, issues with concentration, sleep problems, excessive worry, anger/disruptive behavior, crying, fidgeting, and so much more,” pointed out Jamie Dhabalt, a School-Based Therapist at the Orchard Place Child Guidance Center.
If you notice your student is exhibiting signs of anxiety, it’s time to have a conversation with them. “Ask them what is making them anxious about school,” said Dhabalt. “Parents can then practice some regulation/coping skills with the child at home that they can later use at school.” It’s also important to validate the child’s feeling of going back-to-school. To help, it’s important to get them on a routine. “Many children’s sleep patterns change during the summer,” explained Dhabalt. “They need the proper amount of sleep each night to be recharged and ready for school.” Tips to help ease them back into a routine include going to bed earlier and waking up at the same time every morning. Dhabalt added, “Establishing consistent morning routines can also help kids stay on task and on time for school.”
Remember, it’s okay to seek help with your child’s anxiety. “When anxiety begins to impact their daily life and overall functioning, it’s time to consider getting some professional help,” stated Dhabalt. “When the child’s anxiety symptoms are persistent and have not improved over time, this is also a sign the child may need more support.” The good news, there are professionals ready to help. You can always talk with your child’s school counselor. They are trained with the tools, knowledge, and interventions to help support a child that is feeling anxious. Orchard Place also offers a variety of in-school specialists and other experts that are passionate and willing to help your child thrive in the classroom including, school-based therapy, behavioral health intervention services (BHIS), psychiatric services, family peer support specialists, and more.
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