Most of us can remember something that caused us anxiety in school. It could have been the preparation for a test or an argument with friends that caused anxiety about the next day at school. Whichever of these situations that may have caused us anxiety, is likely to be the cause of anxiety for our children as well, as they also experience similar conditions in their own way. In addition, children today may experience stress to a greater extent if we consider the social media factor that is now part of social practices, the increased academic expectations, the ever-increasing bullying.
All this in combination with a world that is still recovering from the pandemic and its losses, losses such as social skills or the anxiety of returning from the internet to the physical environment. Anxiety has increased and combined with the return to school, the refusal to return to school is not unlikely to come.
First, it is important to understand that there are different types of stress. It can be traced to a more general situation or to something specific. You should discuss with your children so that you will understand what is troubling and stressing them. Is it the return to school and what that entails or something more specific like a class or a schoolmate? This way, you will understand how you can help fight stress: is it something that can be solved by talking with them or is the situation in need of different help.
One of the things that can cause stress to a child returning to school is being away from school for a long period of time. While school may be something they generally don't resent, because it's been a while, they may have forgotten what it's like and that may cause them anxiety. You can try to discuss good times, for example, a great day, an excursion, or a personal achievement. If it is not their first year at school, you can refer to their experience last year and remind them how amazing they did and similarly this year, with your help where needed, they will do just as well.
Another good practice is rehearsal. You can pretend play the first day of school, or anything else that causes them anxiety, at home with them. By trying out something that worries them in a familiar environment, will make them realize that it is something they can do and any anxiety will be eliminated when the time comes. A dry run, i.e. a walk outside the school is also a good idea during a free afternoon that can help significantly.
It is also important to start a routine earlier close to the demands of the school program. This will help children integrate more into the thinking and mood of the school. You can practice getting ready in the morning: waking up, brushing teeth, making bed, packing & preparing breakfast. Creating a pleasant routine and trying it early, will help children eliminate stress.
For older children, appearance can play an important role, so choosing clothes in the first few days can be stressful for them. Talk about it and try to work out possible options together to find the best options for them so that they are prepared.
A small gift before school can also go a long way. Especially when the gift itself is relevant to what they are experiencing. "Spithas goes to school" is a nice choice for the last days of the holidays and before school starts.
The stress of the first day or even the first few days is reasonable, especially after such a long break due to the summer holidays. Talk to your children about their feelings and discover the stress they may be experiencing. Maybe some of these things they experience are easily solvable with a little testing or even through discussion!
tag:Wonder Wall