Easing Your Child’s Back-To-School Anxiety
Way back in fifth grade I was so scared of our schools tough-as-nails science and math teacher that my tummy hurt every single morning. So much, in fact, that more than once I stayed home all morning with very real, very painful stomach aches…that disappeared the minute her science and math block ended. I was suffering from school anxiety, a malady that affects kids with and without special needs.
How to Overcome School Anxiety
Proactive parents can help their kids overcome school anxiety. In a recent blog post at ConnectedFamilies.org, Jim and Lynne Jackson list several tips for parents to employ:
- Identify and address anxieties you have about your struggling child.
- Set a time and place to discuss the issue when your child is most relaxed.
- Start the discussion with hopeful empathy.
- Help your child remember past successes.
- Form a plan.
- Familiarize your child with the school.
Read the Whole Article Here
Of course, the Jacksons have more to say about each of those tips. To read the entire article, visit www.ConnectedFamilies.org. While you’re there, check out their other parenting articles. While most are not specifically written for parents of kids with special needs, the ideas are so sound and usable, parents can easily adapt them.
How Do You Ease Your Child’s School Anxiety?
Do you have a tried and tested method for easing your child’s school anxiety? If so, please share it in the comment box. Or if you have a school anxiety story about yourself, leave a comment about that, too. After all, I took a risk and told my sorry tale. Now it’s your turn to do the same.
Feeling a little anxious,
Jolene
My sister is going through this right now with my nephew. She herself experienced this as a child.
It is no fun! You might want to point her to the Jackson’s website at http://www.connectedfamilies.org. They have some outstanding resources. I hope things improve for your sister and niece.
Jolene
Another practical tip for anxious kids is to focus on fun (get ‘em laughing), connection (i.e. a back rub before they get out of bed) and some strong movement activities in the morning (some jumping jacks, bouncing on a yoga ball, a little play wrestling, etc.). This helps to get their energy level/emotional state ready for school.
Lynne,
Thanks for sharing those simple strategies. I’m glad you mentioned the power of laughter, too.
Jolene