It's 7 AM, time for Lukas to wake up. However, he's been experiencing stomach pains lately, and it is becoming challenging for him to sleep well. His worries about school have been increasing to the point where he doesn't want to go anymore. This daily struggle is also affecting his parents, who feel overwhelmed and worried about his well-being. Like many other students around the world, Lukas is dealing with school anxiety. In this post, we'll discuss some tips for identifying this issue and provide some advice on how to help kids cope with it.
The first thing parents should be aware of and learn about are the signs associated with school anxiety. These signals may not always be visible but, in most cases, could include physical symptoms such as the above-mentioned stomachaches and sleep disturbances, as well as headaches and changes in eating habits. Children may also become more irritable and exhibit sudden mood swings. During conversations, parents may notice that their children express constant fear of failure, lack of confidence, and low self-esteem.
School anxiety can be triggered by various specific situations, subjects, or interactions with other people. Identifying and understanding the cause or causes behind the children's reactions can help us design a better intervention and support strategy to assist them. Some of the most common causes are academic pressure and the fear of not meeting expectations, social challenges (please check this previous post regarding this topic), and bullying. Apart from interpersonal factors, there may also be environmental stressors such as a noisy or crowded environment or long commutes.
Besides paying attention to potential signals of anxiety and understanding what is triggering these responses in their children, there are other strategies parents have to consider to address this challenge:
- Encouraging open communication. A supportive, safe, and non-judgmental environment helps children express their worries and fears clearly so parents can respond more effectively. It is important to acknowledge both verbal and non-verbal cues that could indicate anxiety.
- Collaborating with teachers and other school staff. Parents should keep regular communication and work collaboratively with educators to identify and address potential academic and social challenges that could trigger feelings of anxiety in children.
- Establishing consistent and healthy routines. Predictability and a certain structure in our lives can help reduce anxiety and stress. Ensuring a balance between children's academic responsibilities and their leisure time can also positively impact their well-being and resilience.
- Modeling coping strategies. Parents are primary transmitters of knowledge and skills, including techniques to manage anxiety. It is also beneficial to teach problem-solving skills that encourage children to approach challenges with a positive outlook and an awareness of the magnitude of the problems. Practicing these skills can help children develop a healthy mindset to face challenges confidently.
- Seeking professional help. If children are experiencing anxiety that is significantly impacting their daily life and functioning, it may be necessary for parents to consider seeking support from a mental health professional who specializes in childhood issues. This could include a psychologist or counselor. For more guidance on how to talk to kids about mental health, you can refer to this previous post on this topic.
In conclusion, addressing school anxiety requires sustained efforts and continuous collaboration among different groups of stakeholders. Parents, educators, and mental health professionals must work together, leveraging their respective strengths and expertise. School anxiety has far-reaching effects beyond individual students and their families, impacting our society as a whole. We all have a shared responsibility to create a supportive and safe environment where students like Lukas can thrive and stay optimistic.
Recommended resources:
How Parents Can Help Their Kids With School Anxiety, article by Douglas Newton M.D., M.P.H., at Psychology Today
School anxiety and refusal: How parents can help their child get through tough times, article at BBC Bitesize
How to Help Your Child With School Anxiety at Every Age, article by Pamela Kruger at Parents.com
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