CHI St. Joseph Children's Health offers tips regarding back-to-school stress, including signs to spot it and tips to support a child through it. As the school year begins, families might begin to feel the tension of the transition and the changes that come with the shift from summer schedules to the classroom.
Whether from academic pressure, balancing homework and sports, or something more ominous such as bullying, children may find themselves battling too much stress. For some children, the transition from summer to the classroom can lead to more extreme reactions such as anxiety or depression.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 4.4 million children across the U.S. ages 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with anxiety, and 1.9 million are depressed. However, not all children may be receiving the treatment they need. Four in 10 with anxiety are not receiving the right medical treatment, and two in 10 of those depressed are not receiving the recommended care to manage their symptoms.
Being aware of the signs of stress in a child and knowing when to seek support are key. Children may not show signs of mental health challenges the same way that adults would, so it may be hard to understand what they are feeling.
Children headed back to school may be feeling stressed about separation from their parents, making friends, or what to expect during the school day. They may exhibit intense irritability, abnormal behavior, withdrawn behavior, changes in appetite, low energy levels, loss of interest in their favorite activities, or trouble sleeping.
If a parent notices any of these symptoms, it is best to seek out professional support to help their child and their family address the issue.
Parents can also help work with their child to alleviate stress as much as possible. Several tips are suggested. Parents should project a sense of confidence and understanding and let their children know they realize they may be anxious and the parent is confident things are going to go well for them.
Parents should focus on the positive and help redirect children from their worries by having them name three things they are excited for about school. Children should be encouraged to share their fears. Parents should let them know all children have similar worries and that the parents used to when they were young. For the weeks leading up to school and after school begins, parents should plan certain times of the day to check in with their children and have them talk about their feelings related to school.
Parents should practice morning and evening routines and help them reset their sleep patterns prior to the start of the school year. It is important to plan for extra time to get out the door in the morning and make sure the children have their supplies and schedules in advance.
Children should be given choices to help them have a sense of control and excitement, such as letting them choose their breakfast and clothing for the day. Parents should avoid vague reassurance and instead work with children to problem-solve and plan for what may help them in the future.
Parents should consider "un-scheduling" their children by choosing one night each week where they can relax without participating in an extracurricular activity or trying to stay on top of things.
A study area at home should be prepared, so there is somewhere children can focus. Parents should make time to talk through homework responsibilities.
Planning a weekend away can be helpful. It may seem like now that summer is over, all the fun is gone. A weekend away can help reinforce there is still time for relaxing.
In time, the routine will sink in. Within a few weeks, the stress of being back to school may feel less overwhelming.
Parents can also keep in mind their own stress levels can impact children. Paying close attention to how a child is acting is important to helping parents know if they should seek further support.
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