Some students may be excited to head back to school, but others might feel a bit anxious.
It’s a new year, with new classes and teachers, and, for some students, it can all feel a little overwhelming.
While having some nerves is completely normal, there are some things parents can do to help.
“Having a certain amount of nerves, you’ll see with almost every kid, even the kids that are excited about going back to school,” said Dr. Bahar Hashemi, a child adolescent psychiatrist and medical director of the Aspire Program at El Camino Health.
For children dealing with more than just nerves, there are three ways families can help ease back-to-school anxiety.
The first way to help with the transition back to school is to talk with your children and be an active listener, while validating whatever it is that they’re feeling.
“Oftentimes, parents want to jump in and make it better,” Hashemi said. “But, you know, first and foremost, just being that active listener and really helping to understand what your child is feeling.”
Next, Hashemi says to establish routines like a regular sleep schedule, meal time and homework time. She says consistency can help ease the anxiety of something new.
And finally, spot the signs of more significant anxiety or depression, which can include sleep changes, excessive self-doubt, lack of interest in things they used to enjoy, being more withdrawn or struggles with connecting to others.
“Really leaning into that intuition that you have about your child and knowing when it’s time to seek help from a medical professional is important,” Hashemi said.
Hashemi said it’s also important for parents to be a positive and sturdy presence in their children’s lives.
And even if you, the parent, are overwhelmed trying to manage your own feelings around school or something new, be present and open with your child about how you want to help navigate a situation.