The new school year is well underway, and most kids are adjusting to their classes and routines. Is your child still struggling to settle in? At the beginning of the school year, jitters are quite common. When a child continues to struggle several weeks into the year, it may be a sign of anxiety or another mental health concern.
Here are some signs that may indicate your child needs additional support:
- Complaints of stomachaches or headaches
- Worries that seem excessive
- Not wanting to get ready for school
- Frequent attempts to stay home from school or leave early
- Not sleeping well
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in mood—seeming more angry or sad
- Lower grades than previous school years
- Acting out
- Withdrawing—spending a lot of time alone
In addition to seeking out help from mental health professionals, here are some other things to consider:
- Attendance: Make sure your child attends school every day unless there is a legitimate reason to stay home. Avoidance strengthens anxiety, whereas facing fears makes them smaller. Talking with kids about this connection between behavior and feelings can be helpful. If your child does stay home, emphasize that they need to rest or complete missed work and do not allow them to engage in preferred activities, like playing on electronics.
- Connection: It is okay and beneficial to validate feelings of nervousness while continuing to encourage your child and let him/her know that he/she can handle it. You might say something like, “I can tell you’re worried about going to school today. It’s okay to feel nervous. I know it’s hard, and I know you can do hard things.” Show your child that you understand their feelings and are there to support them.
- Discuss: Talk with your child about how school is going for them. Find out if there are specific situations they are struggling with, such as bullying, schoolwork, exams, or social situations. Help them come up with solutions to address these concerns and/or talk with school staff.
- Coping skills: Talk about coping skills as a family and share what you do to get through difficult moments. Learn and practice new coping skills together such as deep breathing, tracing the lines on the palms of your hands, writing/drawing in a journal, or tapping your hands to the beat of music. Let your kids see you using these skills when you are upset and remind them to use them too!
- Positive affirmations: Saying positive, encouraging things to ourselves can help us overcome challenges and rewire our brains to feel safer and more confident. It is best to choose an affirmation that feels believable and helpful.
- Morning routine: Having a consistent routine can create a sense of security and reduce stress for the whole family. Create a step-by-step routine together and hang it where your child will see it. For younger children, include visuals. You can even include practicing a coping skill or choosing a positive affirmation for the day!
Navigating your child’s emotional struggles can be overwhelming. It is important to check-in with your own feelings and needs. When you are feeling emotionally regulated, it will be easier to support your child, and they will feel more regulated too. This is hard work, and Sprout is here to help. Contact us today to help your child get the support they need!
Written by: Heather Kane
