How to Ease your Child's Anxiety about Going Back to School

Most children complain about going back to school. For some complaining is a sign of anxiety. Read these tips to help lesson your child's anxiety about going back to school.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Have your child go to bed 15 minutes earlier every night until they are back to their usual school time bedtime.

2. A week before school, get your child back into routine by turning the television and video games off in the evening and having your child read a book before bedtime. Routine helps alleviate anxiety because your child knows what to expect.

3. 
    

   Plan a big day of shopping and get school clothes and supplies. Make sure your child is helping with the choices.

4. Have your child help set up a study area in your home. See my article on "How to Make a Study Area for your Child," to find out how.

5. 
    

   Talk. When your child says they don't want to go back to school. Ask them to tell you more. Don't say, "Why don't you want to go back to school." Instead say, "What will you be missing when you go back to school?" You may be surprised at their answer. Ask "What did you miss about school during the summer?" If they say nothing, don't criticize or argue, just ask another question until your child starts to open up. When they realize you are not going to try to change their mind, then they feel comfortable enough to open up. Nod your head and say yes as they are talking. Just letting them get it off their chest can lesson their anxiety considerably.

6. Let your child see you fill out the contact forms for school, so that they know the school knows how to contact you. Ask them if their is anything that you may be forgetting.

7. 
    

   Have your child call a classmate from school and have them share what they did over the summer. The child will be reminded about their friendships from school and will look forward to seeing their classmate again.

[Danniboi33]

on 8/8/2008 Great information.

[chris1162]

on 8/6/2008 One thing that teachers almost always do the first day or two of class is have the kids talk/write about what they did over the summer. It is great that you listed that topic (step 7), so the child will already have an answer in mind when the teacher gets to that subject!

[acole]

on 8/6/2008 Good info. Espically having the child call a classmate. I remember I could never sleep the night before the first day of school, because of being so nervous. Great article.