Children’s health: Tips for managing back-to-school anxiety

It’s hard to believe, but the back-to-school season is just around the corner. This time of year is filled with many emotions for both parents and children. If your child is heading to school for the very first time, or if they’re beginning at a new school this year, you’re likely facing a mixture of feelings. I recognize just how difficult it can be to manage those emotions, especially when anxiety, fear or sadness are among them.

If you find yourself navigating those or similar feelings as the new school year approaches, remember that it’s incredibly important to avoid projecting them onto your child. Children have their own emotions to process surrounding the new school year, and we want to create a space where they are comfortable to share them.

Instead, focus on supporting your child through the transition, acknowledging the feelings you both are experiencing and developing a positive mindset about the school year.

A great place to start is by asking your child what they’re looking forward to as school approaches. Hearing their excitement and viewing this new adventure through their eyes will give you an opportunity to reframe what lies ahead. These conversations will also lay a solid foundation for you and your child to regularly discuss school throughout the year.

Maybe your child looks forward to back-to-school shopping. Even if they normally don’t, take this time to make it a special activity. Focus on your child, giving them the space to express themselves when selecting a backpack, folders, outfits, etc. Let them choose a special breakfast, lunch or dessert location or pack a meal to enjoy together at the park before or after shopping.

Preparation is often the key to lessening anxiety around a situation, and making back-to-school shopping a positive, memorable experience will help build positive memories and associations.

Attend school events before the academic year even begins, whether that’s orientation, meet-the-teacher nights, fests or fairs. The more opportunities you and your child have to learn about the school, build connections and feel comfortable, the better.

Find ways to remain involved throughout the school year. Parent teacher associations, booster clubs, volunteering at school sports concession stands and other opportunities are all great ways for parents and caregivers to be part of the school’s community.

Talk with your partner and other parents in your life about the emotions you are feeling. Connect with families at your child’s school to help build a sense of community, which will make you feel even better.

Change is often stressful and scary, but acknowledging your feelings and finding ways to cope with and manage them will help both you and your child have a successful school year.

• Children’s health is a continuing series. Dr. Darrian Murphy is a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Advocate Children’s Hospital.