Young Students Anxious About Going Back To School

If your child is anxious about going back to school, use some psychology to ease their fears.   That is the word from  Dr. Vanessa Jensen, a child psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

Jensen says  back-to school anxiety is common among young kids and the best way to help them is to not feed into it by asking, “are you worried about this year?”

She says a parent should never downplay a child’s worries but instead say, “we’ll get through it together.”  Or let your child know about your enthusiasm by saying for example, “I’m exited about you starting 4th grade this year”.

However, if your child regularly makes excuses for not going to school, Dr. Jensen says it’s important to speak to a teacher, guidance counselor or mental health professional.

Students sitting at desks in a classroom.

Photo from Alpha Media Portland OR