As kids head back to school, an important factor for all adults to consider is the possibility of anxiety in children. According to the Center for Disease Control, at the beginning of the pandemic, from April -October 2020, mental health disorders, including anxiety, increased 24% amongst 5-11 year olds and 31% amongst 12-17 year olds. Not surprisingly, studies have found that social isolation has contributed to mental health disorders and there is a high possibility that we will continue to see depression and anxiety in children as they transition back to school and other social settings.
Signs of Back-to-School Anxiety
It is vital for adults to recognize signs of back-to-school anxiety in children. One of the most common and recognizable indications is a child’s refusal to go to school. A child may not be able to explain their reasoning or they may report physical symptoms, such as a headache or stomach pains. They may also display signs of fatigue due to challenges falling asleep or having nightmares while sleeping. Other physical symptoms can occur due to panic attacks. These symptoms include dizziness, difficulty breathing, an increased heart rate, and shaking.
Although there are children who refuse to go to school, others will, but struggle to attend and complete their work. Then there are those children who strive to be perfect in all of their work, in an attempt to control this aspect of their life. A highly visible sign that a parent or teacher may observe is a decreased engagement in play with peers due to feeling self-conscious.
Worries and fears are typical emotional signals of anxiety. For most kids, their primary caregivers are their safety zone, especially during the pandemic. Separating from them, after being together for 1+ years, can be fear-provoking. However, anger may also increase as children struggle with anxiety. You may note an increase or reemergence of tantrums. Anxiety can elicit a fight-flight-freeze reaction. Tantrums are the fight portion of the reaction.
Strategies to Help with Back-to School Anxiety
Now, what do we do to help kids with anxiety? The most important thing to do is to validate a child's feelings. Avoid comments like, "It's not a big deal" or "Get over it". Children’s feelings are big deals to them and if they feel we do not care, we lose the bond we have worked so hard to create.
Before we can validate another person’s feelings, we must stay regulated ourselves. If children see our anxiety, it can make them more anxious. Before children learn self-regulation, they co-regulate with their caregiver.
Therefore, if you tend to be more anxious, there is a higher chance that your child will be too. Learn and use your regulation strategies before teaching your child.
Starting school for the first time or entering a new grade can leave children feeling hesitant. You can help your child feel more secure by establishing a routine and practicing it before starting school or other novel activities. Build your child's success before adding the pressure of actually following through with going to school. This may mean allowing extra time in the morning and giving choices, which can allow the child to feel control over an uncertain situation.
Often anxiety can stem from not knowing the expectations in a new or changing setting, especially with COVID, so help kids by discussing them. Let your child know about the guidelines in place to increase their safety. Acknowledge when you do not know answers and show that you are trying to research and learn more yourself.
When anxiety takes over our thinking, it is often hard to recall previous successes or fun experiences. This is true for kids as well, so once they are in a calm state to process information, remind them of who and what they previously enjoyed about school. If you have pictures or videos, this can help aid the process.
Lastly, be honest that things may change. There is a possibility that virtual schooling may return and that the family will have to be flexible with their schedules and plans. The more you can discuss and strategize for these changes, the better prepared and more regulated you and your child will be.
For more strategies to help kids deal with anxiety, watch Social Sleuthers’ free bookisode, "Worries". You can also get a free worksheet. If you find this bookisode helpful, explore Social Sleuthers’ full library and curriculum free for two weeks.
"Worries" Bookisode
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