Starting a new year can be an anxious time for children. There is a new teacher to meet, new work, old friends they don't want to see and possibly new friends to make. The summer was great fun but now the thought of returning to school can fill some children with dread. Our children may not say how they are feeling but they can display them in their actions.
Actions speak louder than words!
Children who are worried about going back to school:
- Are more likely to tantrum
- Are more clingy
- May have trouble sleeping
- May have headaches or stomach aches
- They may be more withdrawn
- May hide their feelings
- May also get angry or short tempered
- Can be moody
- Bite their nails
We can make the school return easier by talking to our children and let them know it's normal to feel this way. We can also help them by making sure they're getting enough sleep and exercise, before the term starts, as both help keep stress levels down. Finally we need to make sure that if we have feelings of anxiety of them going back to school that they don't pick up on them.
How have you helped your child prepare for their new school year?