Helping Children Manage Back-to-School Anxiety

As seen in large dailies in Minneapolis, San Diego, Raleigh, and far beyond, as well as outlets such as International Business Times, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling Robert Alexander, Ph.D., advises how parents can help ease children’s worries as a new school year approaches. Alexander explains that the human brain thrives on prediction, but as the beginning of a new school year disrupts those predictions all at once, many children become anxious over new classrooms, teachers, classmates, and other daily adjustments. He reminds parents that common signs of an anxious child include changes in sleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating, appetite changes, clinginess, or social withdrawal.

“Visiting the school, discussing routines, and gradually re-establishing bedtimes before classes begin can all help children feel more secure,” he suggests. “Children often look to adults for cues on how they should respond to a situation. Responding with calm confidence can send a powerful message of safety.”