Back-To-School Anxiety: My Child Won't Go!

In the blink of an eye, summer is over and it's time for everyone to go back to reality - in other words: It's the start of a new school year and for some children, this can be a very daunting and anxious time.

For parents of children with back-to-school anxiety, it can be a real struggle getting them on that school bus or into that classroom.

It's often hard to understand why our kids are so reluctant or scared to go to school when they loved it just last year. 

There could be many reasons for this sudden change in behaviour.

It could be that your child is nervous about starting a new school year and the unknowns that come with it.

Maybe they're worried about making new friends or fitting in. It could also be that your child is anxious about leaving you and being separated from you for the day.

For children who have separation anxiety disorder, the anxiety and fear they feel is more intense and can start to interfere with their ability to function at school.

If your child is experiencing any of these back-to-school anxieties, there are things you can do to help ease their fears and stresses.

Here Are Some Tips

Talk to your child's teacher or school counselor about your child's anxiety.

They may be able to provide some helpful strategies or accommodations that can make the transition back to school easier for your child.

Create a Visual Schedule

Create a visual schedule of the day for your child so they know what to expect and when. This can help ease any anxiousness they may feel about the unknowns of the day.

Identify Their Worries

Help your child to identify their worries and talk through them. Once they've voiced their fears, it can be helpful to come up with a plan to address each one.

Encourage your child to practice some deep breathing exercises or relaxation techniques that can help relieve stress and anxiety.

Sleep

Make sure your child is getting enough sleep and eating a healthy breakfast on school days. Having a good routine can help reduce back-to-school anxiety.

Talk

Spend some time each day talking about something positive that happened at school.

This can help your child focus on the good things about going to school and ease any negative feelings they may have.

Related: How Often Should You Talk To Your Child's Teacher?

Take Some Time For Yourself 

Take some time for yourself - as a parent, it's important to take care of yourself so you can better support your child.

Spend some time relaxing, doing things you enjoy, and don't forget to get some exercise too.

Going back to school can be a daunting experience for children, but with a little bit of help and support from their parents, they can overcome their anxieties and start the school year on the right foot.

FAQ's:

Should I force my anxious child to attend school?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it will depend on each individual child's situation. However, if your child is experiencing severe anxiety or school refusal, it may be best to consult with a mental health professional to get their expert opinion on the best course of action.

How can I tell if my child's anxiety is normal or something more serious?

If your child's anxiety is causing them to miss school, refuse to go to school, or significantly interfere with their ability to function at school, it may be indicative of a more serious problem such as separation anxiety disorder. If you are concerned about your child's anxiety, it's best to consult with a mental health professional for an evaluation.

What are some other things I can do to help my child with back-to-school anxiety?

In addition to the tips listed above, you may also want to consider enrolling your child in therapy or counseling, as this can be an extremely effective way of helping them deal with their anxiety. If you are unsure of where to start, you can consult with your child's doctor or school counselor for recommendations. You can also check out our directory of mental health professionals to find a therapist in your area.

Can a child be off school with anxiety?

There is no simple answer here as it will depend on each individual child's situation. However, if your child is experiencing severe anxiety or school refusal, it may be best to consult with a mental health professional to get their expert opinion on the best course of action.

How do schools deal with anxiety?

Schools typically have counselors or psychologists on staff who can help students deal with anxiety. If your child is experiencing anxiety, you can talk to their teacher or school counselor about getting some help. You can also check out our directory of mental health professionals to find a therapist in your area.

How do you get rid of anxiety in school?

Everyone experiences anxiety differently and what works for one person may not work for another. However, some tips that may help include deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and talking to a trusted friend or family member about your anxiety.

When should I be concerned about my child's anxiety?

If your child's anxiety is causing them to miss school, refuse to go to school, or significantly interfere with their ability to function at school, it may be indicative of a more serious problem such as separation anxiety disorder. If you are concerned about your child's anxiety, it's best to consult with a mental health professional for an evaluation.

What is emotionally based school avoidance?

Emotionally based school avoidance is when a child refuses to go to school due to an emotional issue, such as anxiety or depression. If your child is experiencing this type of school refusal, it's best to consult with a mental health professional for an evaluation.

How can I help my child deal with separation anxiety?

There are several things you can do to help your child deal with separation anxiety, including teaching them relaxation techniques, helping them to develop a positive attitude towards going to school, and gradually increasing the amount of time they spend away from you. You can also consult with a mental health professional for more specific tips and advice.

My child is anxious about taking tests at school. What can I do to help?

Test anxiety is a common issue for many students. Some tips that may help include deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and visualization. You can also talk to your child's teacher about getting some accommodations for tests, such as extra time or a quiet testing environment.

Wrapping Up:

It is perfectly natural for children (and adults) to feel some anxiety around returning back to school after a summer break - especially if they had a tough time adjusting last year.

Forcing a reluctant child back into an environment where he or she doesn't feel safe or supported is only going to aggravate the problem and could potentially lead to long-term issues down the road.

There are many things that can help ease your child's anxiety and make the transition back to school a smooth one. Talk with your child, create a plan together, and be there for them when they need you.

With a little bit of love and understanding, your child will be ready to take on the new school year!