How To Help Lessen Your Child's Anxiety About School

School is back in session. It’s an exciting time for parents and children alike. But, no matter how excited your little one is about school, they might also be anxious. 

There are plenty of reasons why children can be anxious about school. They’re away from home all day or they might struggle to make friends or feel pressure from new responsibilities. 

Whatever the case, there are things you can do to ease those worries for your child. Let’s cover some steps you can take to help lessen your child’s anxiety about school so they can enjoy their time and make the most of the learning environment. 

Listen to Them

If your child is anxious about something at school, listen when they talk to you about it. Even if their concerns seem small, don’t brush them off. If they come to you worried about a new teacher, homework, making a sports team, or a relationship with a friend, it can be tempting to provide quick reassurance. 

But, instead of saying, “don’t worry about it,” or “you’ll be fine,” let them know you hear them. Their feelings matter and they are valid. When they know they’re being heard, they’re more likely to feel safe and secure. Sometimes, being able to vent those feelings is all it takes for them to start working through them. 

Form a Strategy

Once you better understand what’s causing your child’s worries, you can formulate a plan with them to overcome their fears. That doesn’t mean you need to step in and fix everything. Chances are, that’s not what your child really wants, anyway. 

Rather, work with them to problem-solve through their fears. Make sure they know they’re the ones in control. When they have a management plan in place, they’ll start to feel more confident. 

Get Support at School 

Parents and school staff should always be willing to work together for the good of the students. If you know your child is struggling, consider contacting their teacher, a classroom aide, or a school counselor. 

They don’t necessarily have to go out of their way to help your child. But, sometimes, letting the staff know your child might need extra assistance can go a long way. They’ll know what to look for and how to help when it’s necessary. 

Do Test Runs

If your child hasn’t started school yet or if they’re still struggling with fear even after classes have begun, consider helping them manage those fears by practicing.

That might include walking through the hallways with them after school to help them get more familiar with the layout. It might include a conversation with their teacher where both of you are involved and can tell your child what to expect. 

It could even include practicing a sport together at home if your child is intimidated about making a team. When you find out what’s causing the anxiety, these “test runs” can become big confidence boosters. 

Work With a Professional 

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your child might continue to struggle with anxiety about school. If that’s the case and nothing seems to help, consider scheduling an appointment with a therapist. 

Kids can experience a lot of emotions and they don’t always know what they mean or how to process them. That includes anxiety. Therapy can be a great way for your child to really understand the root of their anxiety. It can also be extremely helpful in showing them how to manage their symptoms and overcome their fears, setting them up for a lifetime of mental wellness. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how therapy might be beneficial to your child, please reach out to learn more about child therapy.

We also offer group Worry Wise Kids sessions to help children who may be struggling with anxiety.