Back to School

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
(AACAP), it is common for children going from middle school to high school
to experience anxiety. During these time periods, children are dealing with
the new challenges of high school. Experts at the AACAP say that refusal
to go to school often begins for the following reasons:

• The child has become closer to the parents after spending a
  long period of time with them as the result of a summer vacation,
  a holiday break or a brief illness.
• The child may avoid the first day of school at any grade level,
  but especially if the past year was not a good one.
• Years when big transitions are made, such as from middle school
  to high school, may be especially stressful.
• The child may avoid school after experiencing a life change,
  such as parents divorcing, death of a pet or loved one, or moving
  to a new neighborhood.

How can you determine if your child is experiencing school anxiety?
Experts at the Children’s Hospital of Iowa (CHI) say your child
may be suffering from school-related stress if he or she:

• Complains of headaches and chronic stomachaches.
• Experiences difficulty sleeping.
• Appears grouchy and feels tired.
• Has a hard time making decisions.
• Is afraid to be left in a room alone.
• Worries a lot about himself or herself and loved ones getting
  hurt.
• Experiences nightmares.
• Gets upset when forced to go to school.

For an older child who may be anxious about starting
a new school year, experts at the CHI suggest the following ways in which
to help him or her cope with the fear and stress:

• Don’t just tell your child that he or she has to go to
  school – give him or her a good reason. Explain how going
  to school will give your child chances to learn and do new things.
• Help a shy child make friends. Encourage him or her to join
  a club or after-school activity.
• Get your child extra help if he or she is having trouble in
  school.
• Keep up-to-date on a bullying situation. Talk to teachers and
  school counselors if it becomes a problem.
• If possible, try to be home to greet your child when he or she
  gets home from school. This is especially important during stressful
  times.
• Devote time to your child each day.
• Encourage healthy behaviors. Help your child eat healthy and
  exercise. Limit television, computer and video game time if needed.
• Help your child list factors he or she dislikes about school.
  Talk about which aspects he or she has the power to change.
• Practice relaxation exercises with your child.

If your child’s fears about starting school are persistent
and begin to cause serious educational or social problems, the AACAP
suggests taking your child to see a child and adolescent psychiatrist.
Unreasonable fears about leaving the home and parents can be successfully
treated, and parents should not hesitate to seek professional help.
The child’s physician can refer the parents to a child and adolescent
psychiatrist. Severe anxiety problems in children can be treated.
Early treatment can prevent future difficulties, such as loss of
friendships, failure to reach social and academic potential and feelings
of low self-esteem. Treatments for your child may include a combination
of the following:

• Individual psychotherapy
• Family therapy
• Medications
• Behavioral treatments
• Consultation to the school

It is important to get help early. If left untreated, your child’s
anxiety can become worse and continue to cause long-term mental health
problems as he or she gets older.