Assisting children with anxiety with their return to school

Back to school season can be a difficult time for children with anxiety. They may feel overwhelmed by the change in routine, or worried about meeting new people and doing well in their classes. If your child is struggling with anxiety, there are steps you can take to help them cope and return to school feeling confident and ready to learn. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to help your child manage their anxiety and ease them back into the school routine.  

Tips on dealing with children with anxiety with their return to school

1. Encourage your child to express their worries and fears about returning to school. Talk openly about any concerns they might have, whether it’s feeling anxious in the classroom or not being able to see friends during lunchtime.

2. Encourage your child to take breaks throughout the day. If they feel overwhelmed, let them go outside for a few minutes or sit in silence for a few minutes until they feel calm again. 

3. Let them bring a comfort item from home. This could be anything from a favourite blanket to a stuffed toy. Something that is able to bring comfort if they need it.

4. Make sure your child has all the necessary resources for a successful transition back into the school routine. Ensure you’ve packed for them a nutritious lunch and snacks to keep them full and allow them to focus during the day, along with their books and required stationery. This will ease the pressure of them potentially forgetting something at home which can add more stress to them.

5. Make sure they know who they can go to if they need help or support at school (e.g. teachers, guidance counsellors).

6. Give positive reinforcement when your child is making progress towards getting used to going back to school again – this will give them the confidence boost they need.

7. Start building out a routine earlier. Going to bed early, waking up early, preparing themselves as if they were attending school that week.

It can be challenging for parents to talk with their children about anxiety; however, it is an important conversation to have. Reassure your child that all feelings, including anxious ones, are okay and normal. Furthermore, by engaging in dialogue with your child about their fears, this can help alleviate any possible apprehension about expressing emotions around their return to school. Open communication, be understanding and be willing to listen to their concerns. Remember, we were children once, feeling the same feels. Good luck to your families during the return to school! 

Make a booking

• Ashford

  Adelaide Paediatrics Ashford
  Suite 15, Level 3 Ashford Specialist Centre
  57-59 Anzac Highway
  Ashford SA 5035

  T: 08 7123 6171
  F: 08 7123 0821

• Bedford Park

  Adelaide Paediatrics Bedford Park
  Mark Oliphant Building
  8/5 Laffer Drive
  Bedford Park
  SA 5042

  T: 08 7123 6149
  F: 08 7123 0821

• Elizabeth Vale

  Adelaide Paediatrics Elizabeth Vale
  32 Oldham Road
  Elizabeth Vale
  SA 5112

  T: 08 7123 6148
  F: 08 7123 0821

• Kensington Park

  Adelaide Paediatrics Kensington Park
  360 Magill Road
  Kensington Park SA 5068

  T: 08 7123 6176
  F: 08 7123 0821

• Mile End – SuperGym

  Adelaide Paediatrics Mile End
  71 Henley Beach Road
  Mile End SA 5031

  T: 08 7123 6147
  F: 08 7123 0821

• Morphett Vale

  Adelaide Paediatrics Morphett Vale
  221-223 Main South Road
  Morphett Vale SA 5162

  T: 08 7123 6163
  F: 08 7123 0821

• Mount Barker

  Adelaide Paediatrics Mount Barker
  2/50 Victoria Road
  Mount Barker SA 5251

  T: 08 7123 6175
  F: 08 7123 0821

• North Adelaide

  Adelaide Paediatrics North Adelaide
  Calvary Hospital
  89 Strangways Terrace
  North Adelaide SA 5006

  T: 08 7123 6173
  F: 08 8239 9119

• Wayville

  Adelaide Paediatrics Wayville
  The Terraces
  4-6 Goodwood Road
  Wayville SA 5034

  T: 08 7123 6177
  F: 08 7123 0821