The start of a new school year can cause anxiety for children, especially in light of COVID-19. If your child has an anxiety disorder, it can be even more challenging, exacerbating their symptoms in ways that impact academic performance and overall wellness. Here are a few ways to help your child cope.

How to Help Your Child Manage Back-to-School Anxiety

1. Ensure They Have Support

Your child will need extra support when their anxiety is high. Consider scheduling more frequent therapy sessions until they adjust so their counselor can guide them through the transition and offer coping skills and practical advice for handling or minimizing symptoms. You can also speak with their teachers about ways to help them in the classroom or what to do if they have an episode at school.

2. Validate Their Emotions

If your child talks about how they’re feeling, validate their emotions. Let them know that you understand what they’re expressing and you’re taking them seriously, which will give them space to open up to you. Listen and let them vent, then brainstorm possible solutions for the situation causing concern.

For instance, if they’re worried about COVID-19, go over current safety recommendations together, and develop plans to ensure your child can follow them, such as wearing a face mask indoors and carrying an extra one with them. This validates their concern while offering practical solutions to help them feel safe.

3. Encourage Positivity

Talking about the day’s positive events can help your child relax. It also encourages the habit of feeding positive trains of thought instead of negative ones. Establish a routine where your child tells you about their favorite moment of the day, whether it was acing a test or laughing with their friend, as well as something they can look forward to tomorrow. You can share your own day’s highlights and what you’re excited about to get the conversation going.

4. Ask Your Child’s Therapist for Advice

If your child is struggling, speak to their counselor one-on-one. Let them know about symptoms or behaviors that concern you, and ask how you can help. When they have a full picture of how your child is coping, they can offer tailored advice. For general anxiety, they may recommend establishing routines to foster a sense of stability and safety. If stress is amplifying your child's symptoms, the counselor may suggest setting aside a few hours each week for de-stressing, such as through art or gaming.

If your child needs more support for the school year, reach out to Fairbanks Psychiatric & Neurological Clinic APC. For over 30 years, they’ve helped Alaskan patients of all ages with effective treatment options for numerous conditions, including anxiety. Plus, they accept most insurances and have specialized providers. Explore their services online, and call them at (907) 452-1739 to make an appointment.