Is your child among those experiencing stress because summer is ending and school is beginning? While some students and families look forward to a new school year, for others it can be a time of stress and doom- especially for those who love the carefree summer days of sun, fun, and relaxation.
But summer dwindles to the shorter days of fall’s chill, it’s time for all kids and their parents to prepare for school
If your child is experiencing stress at the idea of summer ending and school beginning here are some ideas to keep in mind and to use to help support your child with this transition.
What are some signs and symptoms to look out for?
Here are a few:
1) Does your child seem sad, worried, or afraid when conversations about school come up?
2) Does your child complain of headaches, stomachaches, have bad dreams or report other aches and pains when talking about of after thinking about school?
3) Does your child try to avoid discussing or preparing for school?
4) Does your child have specific or general complaints about school?
5) Is your child refusing or threatening to refuse to go to school?
6) Is your college student experiencing severe homesickness?
Keep in mind that often transitional years are particularly stressful.
The transition from elementary to middle school, middle school to high school, and high school to college can be particularly unnerving.
This anxiety can be based on a whole lot of uncertainty or worst case rumors.
Maybe your child and you have heard that “middle school is the toughest”, “high school is so hard”, or “you will be all alone at college.”
Colleges prepare for this transition and most help new students with summer orientation and new student and parent days. Getting the answers to questions in advance can often ease stress about this transition.
Be sensitive to how you handle unknown situations and your reactions to doom and gloom predictions.
Some potential sources of stress are undetected conditions.
First, you may want to rule out the possibility of underlying causes of stress such as a learning disability, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), bullying, peer pressure, depression, and anxiety.
If you suspect these issues talk to your child and look into professional help if needed.
Once you have addressed the above possibilities, you’ll still want to support your child with these transitions back to school.
Here are 7 helpful tips:
1) Visit the school, walk around, and have a tour.
2) Practice your route to school. It is important to know how your child will get to school once school starts. Will you drive, walk, carpool, take a bus, or ride a bike?
3) If possible, meet teachers and classmates.
4) Be prepared with school supplies, books, and appropriate clothes.
5) Be a good role model with a positive attitude about school, learning, and facing new challenges.
6) Let your child know that you are confident he or she will do well and can handle new challenges. And, finally,
7) Let your child know that you will be there to support them through challenges and that you look forward to the all of the adventures, learning, and growing that the new school year will bring.
If you are concerned that your child is exhibiting intense back to school stress, worry, and anxiety and want to discuss your concerns with a psychologist please schedule a 10 minute free phone consultation with my online scheduler.
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