BACK TO SCHOOL ANXIETY
AND HOW TO MANAGE IT
I
remember the feeling like
yesterday. Waking up before
my alarm, staring across
my bedroom to see my
uniform laid over the giant
pile of clothes on my chair that I
should’ve tidied weeks before, and
a brand new backpack that I just
had to have.
The energy of anticipation about
starting a new school year would
trickle through the morning air.
All I could think about was if
anyone would look different, if
I would look different, and the
friends I couldn’t wait to see. I’d
brush my teeth a little harder, dab
on an extra layer of clear lipgloss,
and leave for the bus 10 minutes
earlier – you know, just in case.
When September arrives, both
parent and child may experience
an increase in anxiety, and while
this can be normal, most of us
know how difficult it can be to
manage. It can feel like impending
danger, confusion, panic, and like
you’re floating but wishing your
feet would touch the ground.
For parents, maybe you’re picking
up on your child’s energy, and can
sense they’re a little anxious about
the year ahead? Maybe you have
childhood wounds that start to
open during this time? Whatever
the reasons, I have compiled a few
ways to manage this anxiety for
both of you.COMMUNICATE
It’s really important that the child
can communicate how they feel.
Sometimes anxiety will manifest into
the physical with symptoms such as
withdrawal, heavy breathing, and
sweaty palms, but you also might not
always be able to see anxiety with
the naked eye. Ask your child how
they feel, and create an environment
where they are able to express their
feelings – even if they can’t identify
that it is anxiety. Empower and
encourage them. Remind them that
feeling nervy before a new school
year is normal, and tell them they’re
brave and strong.PREPARE & PRACTISE
All parents know that the key
for a somewhat smooth life is to
prepare. Although this doesn’t
always guarantee there will be no
mishaps, it does mean less stress
if difficult feelings and situations
arise. A dummy school run is a
good way to help decrease anxiety,
as you can both experience what
it will be like. You can also write
a checklist of all the things you
need to remember, and pop it on
the fridge. Practising a situation
will help it to feel less scary when
you experience the real thing.
This also eliminates the fear of the
unknown – especially if your child
is starting school for the first time,
or is starting somewhere new.with Grace
Author, TedX speaker, and queen of empowerment,
Grace Victory shares her experience and insight each month