We’ve talked about how anxiety impacts caregivers and students. Now, what can you do about it? It comes down to preparation.
“With kids and adults, it can be supportive planning, letting them know what they’re going to expect, and letting them know what is going to happen throughout the day," said Jessica. "[Walk] them through a day and possibly [take] them to the school, [show] them the school.”
Other ways for families to ease their anxieties include:
Establish a routine
Talk with your child
Take a deep breath
Communicate with school staff a week or two before classes begin
“Most schools have at least some kind of program in place to help ease [anxiety]. You can talk to somebody who will be able to help you through that. Most of the schools also do, especially for the younger kids, some sort of back to school activity. Sometimes, it’s just an ice cream fair. Sometimes, it’s a playdate at a park. Keep your eyes out for that. Try to go to as many things as possible for your family. That’ll definitely help your kid meet new people and meet kids. [It also will] allow the parents to meet other parents who are in similar situations.”