It's that time of year again! The kids are getting ready to go back to school, and for many parents, that means dealing with back-to-school jitters. This can be a difficult time for both children and parents. Children may feel anxious about leaving their friends behind or starting a new school year. Parents may feel stressed out about making sure their child has everything they need for school. If your child is struggling with back-to-school jitters, don't worry - we have five ways to help them overcome them!
Here are five ways to help your child conquer back-to-school jitters:
Focus on the positive
It can be easy to get caught up in all of the things that could go wrong when your child goes back to school. Instead, try to focus on the positive. Help them remember all of the things they're looking forward to about the new school year - like seeing their friends every day or learning new things.
Encourage healthy habits.
Eating a nutritious diet and getting plenty of exercise are important for managing anxiety. Help your child start the school year off right by encouraging them to eat a healthy breakfast and pack a healthy snack for recess. And make sure they're getting enough sleep! A good night's sleep will help them feel more rested and better able to cope with stress.
Seek professional help.
Seek professional help: If your child's anxiety is severe or interfering with their ability to function, it may be time to seek professional help. Talk to your child's doctor, Morningstar Counseling, or your local Society of Care navigator about how you can best support your child.
If your you or your child is struggling with the back-to-school season, don't hesitate to reach out for help. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can help them overcome their anxiety and start the new school year off on the right foot!
If you or a loved one are needing mental health support, Morningstar Counseling provides culturally competent mental health services for Native Americans in Nebraska. Email contact@morningstar-counseling.com for more information. If you are in an emergency or are experiencing a crisis please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.