Newswise — The season of backpacks, lunchboxes and homework is back. Millions of children will start school for the first time in the coming weeks and for some, this transition can be emotionally challenging.
"Though this time of year can be exciting and positive, it is not uncommon for children, especially those going to school for the first time, to experience anxiety," says David Fassler, M.D., clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. "Fortunately, this nervousness usually passes within the first few days or weeks."
According to Fassler, parents can help reduce first-day jitters by following these simple guidelines:
1) Bring kids to visit the school in advance. If possible, show them their classroom and other important landmarks such as the playground, the lunchroom and the bathroom.
2) Let kids know that it's OK to feel nervous or worried when starting school. Reassure them that everyone feels a little anxious when they do things for the first time.
3) Help kids establish a regular routine to get ready for school. Let them participate in making choices about what to wear, what to have for breakfast or what to bring for lunch.
4) If kids are particularly anxious, consider sending them to school with a small reminder of home, such as a photograph of the family or a picture of a favorite pet.
5) Arrange for kids to spend time with classmates out of school. Having friends at school always reduces anxiety.
6) Spend time talking to kids about what happened in school. Chances are they'll have lots of stories. Give them plenty of positive feedback for all the new experiences.
If kids are having excessive difficulties with starting school, such as problems sleeping, frequent temper tantrums, reluctance or refusal to go to school, etc., further evaluation and/or consultation may be necessary. Talk to your child's teacher and/or family doctor about whether or not a referral to a trained and qualified mental health professional could be beneficial.
David Fassler, M.D. is a child and adolescent psychiatrist practicing in Burlington, Vermont and a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Dr. Fassler serves as a Trustee at Large of the American Psychiatric Association (http://www.psych.org). He is also a member of the Work Group on Consumer Issues of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (http://www.aacap.org).
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