"Guiding Your Child Through Back-to-School Jitters"

Back-to-school anxiety is common among children and teens, especially during transitions like starting school or moving to a new grade. Symptoms may include clinginess, crying, tantrums, or physical complaints like headaches. Common worries revolve around new teachers, making friends, fitting in, and fear of separation from parents.

It’s crucial to ensure your child attends school, as avoiding it reinforces their fears and prevents important social, academic, and emotional growth.

Here are key strategies to help manage back-to-school anxiety:

1. Focus on basics: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats regularly, and follows routines to create stability.

2. Encourage sharing fears: Create a safe space for your child to express their worries, acknowledging that these feelings are normal.

3. Problem-solve, don’t reassure: Instead of offering simple reassurances, help your child think through and plan solutions for their concerns, empowering them to handle unexpected situations.

These steps provide your child with coping tools to face their fears and transition into the school year more smoothly.