Back to School Anxiety

Heading back to school for some kids is exciting. They get to see their friends again and get to know new teachers. But for others, it the same time of year is terrifying. That's because heading back to school can create a lot of anxiety. But how do parents help their kids deal with that anxiety?

Today on Good Morning Maryland @ 9, Megan sat down with Dr. Golda Ginsburg from Johns Hopkins Children's Center and Dr. Kenneth Gelfand from the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital to get some great advice on what creates anxiety when a child returns to school, what signs to look for when anxiety develops, and how parents can help.

To better understand how to handle anxiety in children, especially as they head back to school, click on the video box to the right and hear what Drs. Ginsburg and Gelfand have to say on the issue. We have also provided some of their points below for you to consider.

Back 2 School Anxiety Signs

What Creates Anxiety when a Child Returns to School

- Motivation often stems from children being able to link their hard work to a positive outcome.
- As such, low grades can directly effect a child’s self-esteem and their willingness to engage in schoolwork.
- Bullying by peers can create situations where a child wishes to avoid school.
- A classroom with inconsistent rules can create anxiety as the child will not know what to expect.

Signs of Developing Anxiety:

- Not wanting to get up in the morning / Complaints of headaches and stomach pain.
- Dramatic change in usual mood.
- A very pervasive negative attitude towards school.
- A sudden change in effort towards homework and classwork.
- Withdrawal from peer activities.

How Can Parents Help?

- Parents need to take an active role in advocating for their child’s academic and social progress.
- Parents can help their children learn to be appropriately assertive with bullies to help reduce their anxiety.
- Parents can be in regular communication with teachers to ensure that the teachers are aware of the sources of anxiety.