As a parent or guardian, it is difficult to see your child struggling with anxiety, especially when it is related to school. School-related anxiety is common and can affect children of all ages.

Understanding the reasons why your child is anxious and learning ways to help them handle their anxiety is essential. To guide us through this topic, we spoke to a licensed clinical psychologist, Alexandra Kappatou.

School-related anxiety is a type of anxiety that children experience when they go to school or think about going to school. It can occur at any age and can manifest in different ways.

Some children may fear going to school or have a hard time separating from their parents. This can happen even if they have been going to school for a while. Other children may be anxious about academic performance or social situations, such as making friends or speaking up in class.

There are many reasons why a child may experience school-related anxiety. Some children may feel unsafe in the school environment, while others may have experienced bullying or teasing. Academic pressure is another common cause of school-related anxiety.

Children may worry about grades, tests, or class presentations. Social anxiety or shyness can also contribute to school-related anxiety. Children who have difficulty making friends or expressing themselves may feel anxious in social situations.

It is important to recognize the signs of school-related anxiety in your child. Some common signs to look out for include:.

Frequent stomach aches or headaches
Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
Refusal to go to school or participate in school-related activities
Excessive worrying about school or academic performance
Attempts to stay home from school
Changes in mood or behavior

How Can Parents Help?

If your child is experiencing school-related anxiety, there are steps that you can take to help them manage their anxiety. Here are some helpful tips from Alexandra Kappatou:.

1. Validate Your Child’s Feelings

It is crucial for parents to validate their child’s feelings and let them know it is okay to feel anxious. Avoid minimizing or dismissing their anxiety, as this can make them feel unheard and unsupported.

Acknowledge their emotions and let them know that you are there to help them feel better.

2. Encourage Communication

Encourage your child to talk about their fears and worries about school. Listen attentively and without judgment. You can help them challenge their negative thoughts and develop coping techniques to manage their anxiety.

3. Develop a Plan

It is essential to develop a plan with your child to address their school-related anxiety. The plan can include strategies for coping with anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises, positive self-talk, or mindfulness techniques.

It can also include steps to address the underlying causes of their anxiety, such as working with school staff to address any academic or social difficulties that may be contributing to their anxiety.

4. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Encourage your child to practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help them feel more calm and centered when they are experiencing anxiety.

5. Seek Professional Help

In some cases, school-related anxiety may be severe or persistent, despite the efforts of parents and teachers. If you are concerned about your child’s anxiety, it may be helpful to seek the advice of a mental health professional.

They can provide support and guidance to help your child manage their anxiety and develop skills to succeed in school.

Conclusion

School-related anxiety is a common problem for many children. Understanding the causes and recognizing the signs of school-related anxiety can help parents support their children and develop strategies to manage their anxiety.

By validating your child’s feelings, encouraging communication, and developing a plan, you can help your child succeed in school and manage their anxiety.