Children Are Anxious Before Returning To School, These 5 Ways Need To Be Done By Parents

Illustration of how to deal with children's anxiety before returning to school (Freepic / Racool_studio)

YOGYAKARTA Return to school after a long holiday or after the weekend, it's natural for children to feel anxious. Not only children, parents also feel it. Parents and children may expect something that can be controlled. Like getting a suitable peers and good grades. Even children may hesitate with the homework they have worked on hard.

A study by Kharcurs Children's Health in 2023 found that 86 percent of school-age children reported being worried at least a few times and one in three children aged 9-13 were worried at least once a week. Psychiatrist Douglas Newton, MD., MPH., received reports from his patients that 64 percent of children were worried about returning to school. So it's important for parents to support the system to anticipate children's anxiety in the following way.

Even though the weekend is fun if you are filled with playing and other activities, you need to really prepare your children's routine before returning to school. Because it is increasingly allowed to be lazy on vacation, school routines will be forgotten and anxious when approaching the day of entry. How to deal with children's anxiety by starting a school routine, such as waking up early. It may need to be done gradually so as not to surprise the child.

For some children who have a history of anxiety and school avoidance, it will be very helpful to reintroduce the school environment and the general environment. For example, by taking a walk around the school, looking at their class, to meeting their teachers while preparing for the new school year. Launch Psychology Today, Sunday, make fun walks so that it helps reduce nervousness on the first day.

Age of a child underlies how they deal with anxiety. For example, teens who experience anxiety often grapple with concerns about their social status, fear of being humiliated, or feeling noticeed by their peers. Thinking about an awkward social situation can be a trigger for them.

Smaller children tend to be more worried about being away from their parents or caregivers, focusing on a how-if' scenario that can happen when they are at school. Remember, having a fear and anxiety about school is okay and very normal, and you have to make sure your kids know they're not alone.

Whatever their concerns, it is important for parents to identify these fears and recognize them so they can overcome them together, provide support, ensure those targeted.

Parents who worry about their child before school, also need to be addressed. Talk to your child about how you feel as a parent. Share stories when you feel worried at school, because this will make you feel better.

For some children, anxiety about going to school may require additional help outside of the support system. For parents, it is necessary to remember that there is nothing wrong with needing help from mental health experts who can provide special guidance and support. A professional can help identify and address the causes that underlie your child's concerns, create customized management strategies, and even work with schools to help your child succeed.