4 Tips to Help Students With Back-to-School Anxiety

The Summer holidays are over in Australia, and students are headed back to school. A lot of excitement and anticipation comes with a return to school – and not just for the care givers! Some students can’t wait to don the uniform and eagerly label all their books. But it’s not as easy for others.

Feeling unwell, lethargy and procrastination could all be signs that your child or teen is feeling anxious about returning to school. For some it may pass, but it can also be a symptom of something deeper. Especially if you see the same pattern occurring over the first term, and they begin to miss school due to it.

If your child or teen feels uneasy about returning to school, here are four strategies you can try together.

1.Get the lay of the land

For kids feel anxious because they don’t know what to expect – the layout of a school, teachers, and classmates are all unknowns. If this is your child or teen, chat to their teacher and ask if you can have a tour around the school after hours.

Or, wander around the school grounds with your child after pick up in the first few weeks and ask them to explain everything to you. Your student will soon realise they know more than they think, and the school will start to feel familiar.

 2. Create open dialogue with their teacher
(But keep it to school hours!)

If your child feels anxious, speak to their teacher about it. Their teacher isn’t there to council them, but they will be able affirm the child, connect them with a wellbeing team, and potentially even introduce them to some like-minded students.

If nothing else, the fact your child knows their teacher has their back will make a difference. That being said, don’t expect the teacher to be available 24/7 for you. If you have concerns, make an appointment or email them, and keep it to school hours and business days.

3. Set clear expectations for your student

Let your child or teen know what is expected of them this year, and set clear boundaries. What this looks like will change depending on your child. For instance, a kid who procrastinates and struggles to take initiative may need set hours to complete homework. But a child who experiences anxiety, may just need encouragement to know that their best is good enough.

Be realistic with your expectations for your child, and above all remember they are still growing up. They won’t do things perfectly, they will experience intense emotions, and they are still learning how to navigate the world. You can give them the grace and structure to learn this well.

4. Seek outside help

If your child or teen is showing signs of struggle – emotionally, mentally or physically, don’t be afraid to seek outside support. Their teacher needs to be part of a care-givers network. They are not the counsellor, or the disciplinarian outside of school hours (that’s you!). So seek out a professional who can support you as you build this network.

A counsellor can work closely with your child to help them navigate their feelings. Others will also benefit from seeing an Occupational Therapist or case worker, a youth mentor/worker, or thrive with a sports coach when they join a team. Figure out who your child’s support network is and speak to them about your concerns. You don’t have to do this alone, and neither does the student.