StreSSed about School? take a deep breath

By Liz Clearman

As a highly anxious mom of a highly anxious teen, we both know all too well that dreaded feeling of summer coming to a close (how does three months go by so fast?) and the school year jitters settling in. While I am no psychologist, I do have 15 years of experience as the parent of an almost-sophomore in high school, and we’ve navigated all kinds of experiences during her time in the classroom (and out). Here are some common stressors and corresponding tips to cope with the stress of starting a new school year. Breathe in, breathe out.

Fear of the unknown. Kids aren’t always anxious about one thing in particular; it might be general uncertainty — even if they’re in the same school with the same group of people as last year. Nervousness about the workload, changes in social “status,” or lacking confidence in their abilities are very real worries, and can be very unsettling. Reassure them that most other children are feeling similarly, and don’t dismiss their concerns. Going over school-day routines, talking about anxieties, and even doing a trial run of the first day can help ease butterflies, as well as attending meet the teacher or orientation.

New teachers, new courses. The worry about difficult courses and teachers can be pervasive. My daughter gets incredibly anxious about math because she strongly dislikes the subject, so the thought of all the mathrelated unknowns sends her anxiety soaring. Communication with teachers, as well as keeping an eye on whether your child needs extra help during the school year, is helpful. Time and familiarity should help ease stress after a few weeks of routine.

Worrying about the future. For older kids, worrying about future plans — specifically getting into college or securing a job, since college isn’t for everyone — might be at the forefront of their developing brains. Not all caregivers have equal access to resources, so I highly recommend a visit with a school counselor to help develop a road map. SBISD’s T-2-4 plan for all students to graduate with a technical skill or head off to either a two- or four-year college is inclusive of families from all backgrounds. It’s just too much. Know when to ask for help. School counselors are a fantastic resource for this, but if your child’s anxiety is disrupting their sleep or daily activities, it might be time to engage an outside professional for further evaluation. As a huge proponent of therapy and a sufferer of an anxiety disorder, it’s important to really listen to and keep an eye on your child for signs of something more than just run-of-the-mill nerves.