Blog
EASE BACK-TO-SCHOOL STRESS IN CHILDREN
- April 30, 2017
- Posted by: admin
- Category: Doon Activities
Children are like a mixed bag of feelings when it comes to the “First Day of School” they are excited, happy and anxious at the same time. These feelings are normal to experience when the children are transitioning from one class to another, be it for the teens going back to school or the first timers’ tiny tots.
It’s not just the children who are experiencing these anxious feelings it is the whole family that goes through a stressful and disruptive transition. Children may show a variety of anxious behavior like:
* Cling to you
* Cry hysterically
* Throw temper tantrums
* Complain of headaches and stomachaches
* Become sulky or irritable.
The worries which the children are facing are real, they might be worried about different school-related issues like:
* How will my teacher be? Will she be mean?
* Will I have any friends in the new class? Will I get along with everyone?
* How do I look? Will they make fun of me?
* Will I be alone for having lunch?
* What if I am late to school on the first day, will the teachers pry on me?
* Will I be able to understand whatever has been taught? Will I be called stupid?
However real the worries are, don’t resist your child from attending the school, this will reinforce and increase your child’s fears, besides the children will be missing school work. Anxious children who stay at home miss out on:
* Opportunities to develop new friendships and get to know new people.
* Important tips and tricks on academic success.
* getting appreciated for various talents children posses.
TIPS TO HELP YOUR KIDS WITH BACK-TO-SCHOOL STRESS
Look after the basics:
Everyone finds it difficult to cope when they are hungry or tired. Especially the anxious kids often forget or avoid eating and have difficulty to sleep. Parents should provide them with nutritional snacks to keep them healthy. During this time you also need to build regular routines and set rules. Be clear in setting rules and consistent discipline. Children understand “Black and White” only. Inconsistencies are confusing to them.
Give them Free Play
You don’t have to plan each and every hour of your child’s time. Give them time to explore around so that their imagination would take off the pressures from the child wonderfully.
Provide healthy outlets for stress
You all probably know the drill: Exercise, nutritious food, rest and of course HUMOUR! I know this all seems easier said than done, right? But if you feel stressed yourself, it would be well worth to both you and your family, to invest in stress-easing activities: – nature walk, meditation or yoga.
Create Digital Gadget free area:
Create a space just for your family which is computer, TV, internet free and just be. This family space will be to spend time with your children, a sort of place where you can do hands on activities. Take them out for gardening, a books and toy area. Play various board games with them, read together and enjoy nature.
Simple affectionate Gestures:
A gentle touch can be very calming, Hugs can go a long way to create a sense of connection and safety, reducing stress. Be liberal with them.
Laughter is the best medicine!
Laugh together – a lot! Tell jokes, funny incidents that happen around you in your day, tell stories, and make up silly games to keep the environment light. Role plays also can help your child to be confident about them to cope with any situation. Let the children play the role of parents or teachers and parents can observe.
Avoid giving false hopes…instead try to solve the problem and plan:
Do not use words like “Don’t worry!” or “Everything will be fine”. Instead encourage your child to face the problem and find possible solutions for it. For instance use phrases such as: “Ok! I know you are going through a tough time, let’s find ways you could handle that situation!” or “If (the worst) happens what could you do?”, by doing this parents give an opportunity to their children on how to cope with both real and imagined scary situations. You will also be giving your child the tools he or she needs to cope with an unexpected situation that might arise.
Now parents will know what to do when your child is struggling with anxiety or worry in this BACK-TO-SCHOOL season. As children are gearing up to go back to school after spending a long, leisurely and lazy days of summer vacation, parents can become their “Friend”, “Adviser”. This is an excellent opportunity to help them overcoming their stress.
By:
Rashmi Deshpande
Psychological Counselor
(M.S. Couns. & Psy.)