Starting the School Year with Success: 8 Tips for Kids with Anxiety

The beginning of a new school year brings excitement and anticipation, but for some kids with anxiety, it can also bring stress and worry. However, with the right mindset and effective strategies, your child can embrace the academic journey confidently, paving the way for a successful school year.

In this blog post, I’ll share some helpful tips to support your child with anxiety in starting the school year strong.

What Causes Anxiety in Kids When Starting School?

There are several factors that can contribute to kids and teens feeling anxious at the start of a new school year. These might include:

Academic pressure

The thought of increasing academic demands and expectations can cause stress and anxiety. Students often worry about moving up to a new grade level, completing assignments, meeting deadlines, or understanding new subjects.

Social anxiety

Starting a new school year means meeting new classmates and teachers. Kids and teens may feel anxious about making friends, fitting in, being accepted, or dealing with peer pressure.

Changes in routine

The transition from a more relaxed schedule during summer break to a structured school routine can be challenging for some students. Having to wake up early, adhere to timetables, or manage multiple responsibilities can cause anxiety.

Fear of the unknown

Not knowing what to expect in terms of new teachers, classes, or school environment can lead to feelings of worry. The fear of the unknown can be especially strong for younger students transitioning to a new school or older students entering a higher grade level.

Performance anxiety

Your child may worry about their academic performance, grades, or being evaluated by teachers, coaches and peers. The fear of not meeting expectations or being judged can also contribute to feelings of anxiety.

Bullying or social conflicts

Students who have experienced bullying or social conflicts in the past may be particularly anxious about starting a new school year. They may worry about encountering the same issues as last year or facing new challenges in their social interactions.

Pressure to succeed

Some students may feel immense pressure from their parents, peers, or themselves to excel academically or achieve certain goals. This pressure can lead to anxiety about meeting these expectations and fear of failure.

It’s important to note that each student’s experience may vary and the reasons for their anxiety may be multifaceted. Understanding and talking about these concerns with your child can help alleviate anxiety and create a positive and supportive learning environment.

Tips for School Success for Kids with Anxiety

As already mentioned, starting a new school year can be overwhelming for children with anxiety. However, with empathy, understanding, and the use of effective strategies, they can absolutely negotiate this journey with confidence and success.

Here are some tips to help you successfully navigate this time of year with your child.

Open Up Communication Channels

Communicate openly and honestly with your child about their anxiety. Let them know that it’s normal to feel nervous or anxious about starting a new school year, and that you’re there to support them throughout the entire process. Assure them that their emotions are valid and remind them that it’s okay to ask for help when needed.

Establish a Routine

Setting up a consistent daily routine helps children with anxiety feel more secure and in control. Establish a structured routine that includes a healthy balance of academic activities, physical exercise, relaxation, and sufficient sleep. Having a routine will provide a sense of stability, reducing anxiety triggers and helping your child feel more confident about their daily tasks.

Visit the School

If possible, arrange a visit to the school before the school year begins. This will familiarize your child with the surroundings, layout, and staff, reducing the fear of the unknown. This opportunity allows them to visualize themselves in the new environment and feel more comfortable about what lies ahead.

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Anxiety can be overwhelming for children, but practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help alleviate some of these feelings. Encourage your child to practice deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, or using calming sensory objects like stress balls or fidget spinners. These techniques can be incorporated into their daily routine or used as coping strategies during stressful moments at school.

Create a Supportive Network

Make sure your child knows they’re not alone in their journey. Reach out to the school and inform teachers or the school counselor about your child’s anxiety. This will allow them to provide additional support and understanding to your child throughout the school day. Additionally, encourage your child to develop friendships with understanding and empathetic classmates who can provide emotional support.

Set Realistic Goals

Encourage your child to set realistic goals for themselves, focusing on progress rather than perfection. Help them break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, which will allow them to feel a sense of accomplishment along the way. Celebrate these achievements together, fostering a positive mindset and boosting their confidence.

Encourage Self-Care

Remind your child of the importance of taking care of their physical and mental well-being. Encourage healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. Teach them the importance of self-care activities such as engaging in hobbies they enjoy, spending time with loved ones, and practicing self-compassion.

Foster a Positive Mindset

Help your child reframe their negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. Teach them to challenge negative self-talk by asking questions like, “Is this thought realistic?” or “What evidence do I have that this thought is true or false?” Encourage them to focus on their strengths, talents, and past successes, reminding them that they’re capable of overcoming challenges.

By fostering open communication, establishing routines, practicing mindfulness, building a supportive network, setting realistic goals, encouraging self-care, and fostering a positive mindset, your child can overcome their anxiety and thrive academically and personally.

Remember, the most important thing is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where your child feels supported and empowered to navigate the challenges that come their way. With your guidance and patience, they will be able to start the school year with success and continue to grow into resilient and confident individuals.

Begin Online Therapy for Kids and Teens with Anxiety in Illinois and now Florida.

If your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, including panic attacks, there is hope! Anxiety is highly treatable and online anxiety treatment at Briefly Counseling can help.

Using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, I help kids and teens reduce their anxiety and build resilience so they can become a happier, more confident version of themselves.

And kids love being able to receive counseling from the comfort and privacy of their own home. Studies have consistently proven that online therapy delivers equal results to in-office counseling.

As an experienced and caring therapist, I love providing counseling for anxiety. To start your child’s counseling journey, call me at 224-236-2296 or email Helena@BrieflyCounseling.com to schedule a FREE 20-minute consultation.

Helena Madsen, MA, LCPC is the founder of Briefly Counseling. I specialize in providing online short-term anxiety treatment for kids and teens ages 7 – 18 as well as Christian counseling.

Whether you’re on the North Shore, in Naperville, Chicago, Champaign, Barrington, Libertyville, Glenview, or downstate Illinois, I can help.

And effective 2024, I am now licensed in Florida! For parents in Jacksonville, Pensacola, Destin, Crestview, Coral Gables, Weston, Parkland, Naples, Marco Island, and Pinecrest, I have immediate openings.

Schedule your appointment or consultation today. I look forward to working with your child to quickly and effectively help them in activating their strengths, resources, and resilience, in order to live with confidence and hope.