Children’s Anxiety About School
What is your earliest memory of being in school? Were you excited? Were you happy? Were you fearful? If your memories include being fearful, you know how difficult it is to get the most out of school. Most young children will have some anxiety about school, whether they are beginning early childhood classes, preschool, or kindergarten. The anxiety can revolve around many things, including: “Who will be my friend?”, Will the teacher/helper be nice to me?”, or “What if I have to go to the bathroom?”
As a parent, you can do a lot to help ease your child’s fears about school. One important way is to help your child know what to expect. Remember your first day of school—-not knowing where everything was or what the routine would be? Anything you find out ahead of time for your child will make that first day easier. Describe what a “typical” class or day will involve, including play time, music time, lunch/snack time, etc. Talk about your child’s feelings about school. You might want to read a book about starting school and then ask, “Is that something you’re feeling?” Tell her that it’s ok if she feels afraid. Tell her that sometimes that can make her tummy feel upset. Acknowledge to your child that everyone feels that way at times. Helping your child make friends is another important way to ease anxiety about school. Setting up playdates with same age children can give them practice with social skills, which is valuable in school and life. Hopefully, one or more of these children may be in your child’s class in school. A familiar face on the first day makes for an easier adjustment.
Finally, focus on the positive. Tell your child to have a good day and that you love him. Tell him what a big boy he is to be going to school. Let him know you are proud of him.