The first day of school always comes with an overwhelming number of different emotions. Students can feel happy, excited, anxious, nervous, stressed, sad, and even scared. Here are some risk factors to look out for in your child or teen:
- Not wanting to go to school
- Physical complaints (stomach hurting, headache, nausea, vomiting)
- Frequent nurse visits
- Not turning in assignments
- Declining grades
- Avoiding social groups
- Skipping classes or school
- Complaints of bullying
- Sleep or eating changes
- Mood swings
- Disinterest in favorite activities
- Panic or anxiety attacks
- Self-harm
As parents how can we help our children and teens cope and make sure they have a successful academic year? Below we have some tips for you!
1. Organize, organize, organize!
Children thrive on structure and organization. Create a visual schedule for them to follow. Include important due dates, school events, and when extracurricular activities will occur. Allow them to add what is important! Giving them an idea of what to expect during the school year may not give anxiety a chance to grow.
