3) Make Sure All The Basic Needs are Being Met
Kids can better handle transitions and new experiences when they are rested, aren’t hungry and feel prepared. Kids who are anxious tend to eat a little bit less and being hungry can feed a bad mood and anxious behavior.
Two weeks before school starts, get your kids to bed at an appropriate time based on when they need to wake up and get ready for school. Make sure they’re getting enough rest based on their age and how active they are during the day.
4) Don’t Give Reassurance, Instead Problem-Solving
Kids often seek reassurance from Mom and Dad their fears won’t happen but don’t be tempted to assure them with blanket statements such as saying “everything will be Ok,” “don’t worry about those things,” or “I promise, you’ll like school.”
Instead, discuss your child’s fears with them, empathize with their rationale and then address those fears and problem solve. Think of ways to strategically to solve each situation.
For example:
Worry: If your child is worried they won’t have anyone to sit with at lunch.
Solution: he could be to ask one new classmate in the morning if they want to eat lunch together.
Another example:
Worry: Your child is worried they won’t make any friends at school.
Solution: Suggest your child make a card for their teacher and to write inside, “I’m scared of going to school and not making any friends” inside so their teacher knows they are feeling anxious and apprehensive and could help pair them up with another classmate.
5) Take a Couple Test Runs
If your child’s worries don’t seem to be easing leading up to school, head over to the school campus to casually stroll around and walk the halls.
See if you can talk with an administrator and explain your child’s school anxiety. They may even let you locate their classroom and all the key areas to the school like the bathroom, cafeteria, library and playground. Check to see if there is an open house where you can walk the campus during this time as well.
Begin driving to the school as part of your routine, even stopping in the parking lot to test run a drop off or walking to the line-up area. The more familiar your child is with the school, the more this can help ease their worries.
