3 Tips for Managing Back-To-School Stress & Anxiety

August 12, 2022

Adjusting to a classroom environment after spending three months at home is challenging for any child. Adding the uncertainty of health and safety on to that transition can cause feelings of anxiety, confusion, and hopelessness to heighten.

Help manage these big feelings with 3 simple actions!

1. Ask and Listen

Ask your child specific questions about how they feel and how you can support them. Most importantly, listen to their responses and build trust by taking action. 

Try “Did the fire drill make you feel more safe or more scared today? What about it made you feel that way?” 

Follow up with accurate, age-appropriate information and reaffirm that your child is safe and that you support them.

2. Do As I Do

Model healthy coping skills for your child by acknowledging that you also experience feelings like anxiety, confusion, and hopelessness. Demonstrate that strong feelings are normal and manageable. 

Try “Today, I’m feeling anxious because I have a meeting with my boss. I’m still scared, but I’m going to take three deep breaths, be prepared, and talk about it later with a trusted adult.”

3. Time to Unwind

Create a self-care routine that you and your child can practice together. Start with simple coping techniques. 

Try going playing catch or going on a walk, getting a small treat like ice cream, or sitting down to talk about the day’s events while petting the family dog. 

Model healthy coping skills like asking for support, establishing boundaries, journaling, art, exercise, music, meditation, and breathing techniques.