If you have a verbal child, they have most likely expressed their feelings about returning to school. Some children, however, may not know how to express their anxiety or may be embarrassed to admit they are worried about school. Young children frequently require assistance in identifying their feelings and determining the best way to deal with them. If you suspect your child is anxious, here are some effective ways to help a child with anxiety.

Don’t take your child’s anxieties too seriously.
Some parents may dismiss their child’s worries, while others may interpret them as evidence of their own failure to do something right. Neither is it fair to you or the child. You should approach their fears calmly and confidently. Let your child know that it is normal for them to be nervous, but that you are confident that they will be fine. This is one of the most important things you can do to help an anxious child.

When your child is at his or her most relaxed, talk about his or her anxieties.
You don’t have to address your child’s back-to-school concerns the moment they arise. If your child expresses concerns right before bed or while you are rushing out the door for an appointment, it is fine to let them know you want to discuss this important matter with them and when you believe it is best to do so. Choose a time when your child is rested and full (along with yourself) for the best chance of a productive conversation.

Allow them to express their emotions to begin your conversation.
To assist a child with anxiety, it is critical to allow your child to talk and truly listen in order to get to the root of their fears and tell you why they are nervous. Some gentle probing questions may be required. Only by determining what is truly bothering them can you begin to address it.

Anxious children may not always show you their anxiety symptoms. It may take some probing to discover your child’s fears.

Be understanding while also encouraging.
“Even mommy can be nervous about starting something new,” you might say to your child. When I started my new job, I wasn’t sure if I’d like it or the new people. But then I decided to keep a positive attitude and realised I didn’t have to be afraid. It all worked out fine, and you’ll get through this fine as well.” In other words, let them know you understand their anxiety and that concerns are natural, but don’t feed their fears.

Assist your child in recalling past accomplishments.
Remind your child of previous times when they successfully navigated new experiences and challenges. “Recall when .” You handled it admirably. I’m confident you’ll do well in this as well.”

Make problem-solving easier for your children.
Once you’ve identified their anxiety, assist them in developing a plan to address it. Allow them to tell you what they believe will help, and if they are unable to think of anything, you may make suggestions. If they are afraid of taking the bus, for example, ask them what they believe would be beneficial. If they need ideas, offer to tell them about the route, maybe find a neighbour who can be their buddy or explain how it works, call the office for details, and so on.

Seek Professional Assistance If Necessary
If you believe your child requires professional help, don’t be afraid to seek it from a doctor or a psychologist. While anxiety is a perfectly normal emotion, anxiety that lasts longer than a few minutes and interferes with daily activities may be a sign of one of several anxiety disorders. Addressing any mental health issues as early as possible with professional cognitive behavioural therapy aids in their resolution.

Suggestions for Reducing Back-to-School Stress
As a first step in dealing with anxious feelings, ask open-ended questions and really listen to the answers, as described above.

Make a play date with your classmates.
Seeing some familiar faces at school will be a pleasant surprise for them. Make an effort to schedule some playdates before school begins. This can assist a child with social anxiety in preparing for their first full school day.

Anxiety is reduced by familiarity.
Plan a tour of your school for them to visit, play on the playground, walk the halls, find out where the cafeteria is, and what the release area is. You will need to speak with the school office about how they handle this- each school is different. This activity will frequently help reduce your child’s anxiety about the first day of school.