Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back-to-stress. A few tips along the way could ease the anxieties of that first day of the new school year.
Marcus Cheung, manager of counselling initiatives with the Calgary Counselling Centre says it’s not uncommon in counselling to have parents asking for help as families and kids make the adjustment after the long summer break.
“If their children is experiencing some anxiety and they are not feeling like they want to go back to school, the question is what to do about them,” says the manager of counselling initiatives.
The loss of routine throughout the summer holidays is one issue and Cheung lays out the steps to get back into the school pattern.
“We are about two weeks away from September. This is the time we would really encourage parents to re-establish some routines such as bedtimes, meal times; and at least starting that a few weeks before school starts.”
Apart from resuming the routine, getting the children involved in back-to-school shopping is another tip Cheung recommends.
“Really giving that idea to the child that they are going back to school soon and really prepping them in terms of what is going to happen in two weeks.”
When it comes to any worries or anxieties, the counsellor encourages parents to speak openly with their children about what they may be feeling.
“Do not try to disregard the concerns. Open the conversation. Listen and validate. It is really common for children to experience back-to-school anxiety.”
The bottom line is to give your kids the space to share their concerns.
Kid’s Meltdown
Another challenge facing parents is taking their kids shopping for back-to-school supplies and the youngster may have a meltdown in the store. Cheung advises to stay calm.
“Children may do that for different reasons. But what we encourage parents to do is model calmness. When you are in a situation where your children are melting down, try to stay calm, and try to model that calmness to them to help demonstrate healthy coping mechanisms for the child.”
The counsellor says to avoid raising your voice in reaction to the meltdown. Approach the situation with calmness and try to understand where the meltdown is coming from.
Smaller kids
Younger kids may be facing separation anxiety, notes Cheung.
“In the first two weeks of school, children may experience some anxiety still, and that could include separation anxiety for the smaller kids. We encourage parents to observe the child’s behaviour. Try to understand if they are coping well.”
If the behaviour persists for about a month into the new term, and the parents don’t know what to do, then Cheung encourages parents to seek professional help.
Other strategies as the term begins could be setting some goals. Whether it’s acing a class, joining a club, or just making a new friend. Having something to look forward to can turn nerves into excitement as you try to keep things positive.
Mental health supports are available online or in person via Counselling Alberta and the Calgary Counselling Centre.
In Lloydminster, mental health resources are also available online and in-person.
