In a recent interview, I discussed some of the issues associated with back-to-school anxiety. Now that the new school year is upon us, many parents are witnessing this anxiety as their children adjust to new surroundings. It’s not uncommon for any child, regardless of his grade level, academic ability or social demeanor, to experience challenges at the start of a new year.

Here are a few issues your family might be dealing with.

Separation Anxiety – Separation anxiety is a common issue throughout the preschool and early elementary school years. If your child spends most of his time with you, it may take him a while to warm up to a new environment.

Here are a few tips:

• Establish a consistent goodbye routine to help ease morning anxiety. You could recite a special goodbye song or spend a few moments coloring or reading together before you leave.
• Bring along a picture of your family or a favorite stuffed animal for comfort.
• Calmly and without frustration, reassure your child that you are leaving for a short time and that you will always come back.

Emotional Overload – Another common issue among younger school-age children is what I like to call “emotional overload”.  Children develop at such a rapid rate during these early years that we often forget how much they can handle in a given period. Often children come home mentally drained during the first couple months of school. Don’t be surprised if they seem more fragile and quick to anger or if they revert back to toddler-like behaviors, such as whining or tantrums.

Here’s how you can help:

• Incorporate rest time into your afternoon schedule. Your child may choose to play quietly, read books or watch a short show.
• Spend quality time with your child. Remember that any erratic behavior might actually be a cry for help.

Exhaustion – Struggling to drag your child out of bed in the morning? You’re not alone. Exhaustion is a common issue among older school-aged children. It recently garnered attention when the American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy encouraging middle schools and high schools to adopt later start times. It makes sense, especially since biological changes that take place during the teenage years naturally move bedtimes back about two hours.

Here are a couple suggestions

• Make your child hand over his phone at a certain time each night, as screen time greatly hinders healthy sleep habits.
• Encourage your child to complete his homework right after school to avoid late-night cramming.

Bullying and Social Struggles – These issues span all grade levels. Regardless of your child’s relational competence, he will likely experience social struggles at one time or another.

Here’s how you can help:

• Show empathy without jumping to conclusions or fueling drama. In many cases, your daughter might complain about her best friend one day and invite her over the next.
• Encourage your child to stand up for himself and to walk away if he is being mistreated.
• Use your child’s teacher as a resource. He or she can help your child navigate social cues and provide guidance on conversing with peers.
• Talk to your child about bullying. Remind him that it is NEVER acceptable and to ALWAYS speak up if someone he knows is being picked on.

David Lowenstein, Ph.D. is a Psychologist and the Clinical Director of Lowenstein & Associates, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to providing therapeutic services to individuals and families, he offers training and consultation to numerous associations, schools and agencies around the country. Additionally, he is a frequent radio and TV guest and a resource and contributing writer for numerous newspapers and magazines nationwide.

Contact Dr. David Lowenstein at 691 South Fifth Street
Columbus, OH 43206 or by phone at 614.443.6155 or 614.444.0432.