2023: Back to School!
- Kayleigh Webber
- Jan 10, 2023
- 2 min read
The phrase "back to school" has many different emotions associated to it and for each child, those emotions vary from excitement and eagerness to nervousness and fear. The "back to school" season is one that impacts not only children but also siblings and parents. Many think that as a child gets older, that going back to school after a holiday season becomes easier but this is not always the case. Back to school jitters present themselves right from your pre-primary child's first day of school, to your child's first day of their last year of high school.
Unfortunately, for most children, "back to school" leaves them feeling uneasy about the year that lies ahead. Whether it is your little girl's first day in grade 1 or your eldest son's last year at school, the back to school rollercoaster of emotions is very normal - for both parents and children! More often than not, children will not tell you explicitly that they are feeling nervous about the new school year because they have simply not been taught how to express their emotions in emotive words such as "I am feeling nervous". We tend to not label our children's negative emotions because we never want them experiencing these emotions.
So how do you do if your child is feeling anxious?
Here are some of the most common symptoms to look out for:
altered sleeping patterns, eating patterns and bathroom usage
increased irritability
emotional outburst over small things
crying excessively
regressions in development like wetting the bed or thumb sucking
more reserved or more loud and demanding of attention
So if my child is experiencing these symptoms, how do I deal with them?
don't downplay their feelings: they are feeling a certain way for a reason so take the time to find out why and then work though these feelings.
take care of the basics: set a routine, stick to the routine, be prepared, make sure your child is exercising, being nourished and sleeping well.
focus on the positive aspects without dismissing the negative ones.
take note of your own behaviour: are you projecting your thoughts and feelings of the new school year onto your children? And if so, how is it affecting them?
The thought of a new year can most definitely be a daunting one, but it is also a chance for 365 new chances to achieve all your goals and work at becoming the best version of yourself!
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