The start of a new school year is an exciting time for many students. Kids are back into their regular routine, and they get to be around friends all day. For some children, however, school is a source of stress. They may be anxious about attending a new school, meeting new teachers and friends, passing tests or finishing all their homework on time. Factor in the busy schedule many children have with after-school activities and family commitments, and it’s no wonder why kids may be experiencing high stress.
If your child is stressing over the new school year, help them manage it with a few of the following tips.
Prepare for school the night before
Organizing everything your child needs for the school day the night before will make mornings easier and set a good tone for the rest of the day. Get food ready for lunch, load the backpack and pick an outfit to wear. With everything set in advance, mornings will be less chaotic and your child won’t forget anything crucial in the rush to get to school on time.
Limit screen time
Kids are around screens all day, with computers, smart phones and television everywhere. Too much electronics use can cause irritability, exhaustion, higher stress and poor memory in children. Limiting screen time with either a technology curfew or by establishing a daily amount of minutes allowed on certain devices can help reduce your child’s stress and improve their mood and performance in school. Less time with technology will also open up more time for family bonding and other activities.
Talk to your child
If you suspect your child’s feeling anxious about school, talk to them about it. Determine what’s causing the stress and help them develop a plan to reduce it. Most importantly, let them know you’re there to support them and that they can always talk to you about their worries.
Cut back extracurricular activities
If high stress is still a problem after trying the above steps, it may be time to cut something out of the schedule. After-school activities are great for children looking to make friends, stay active and develop teamwork and leadership skills. Unfortunately, they can also leave less time at night for homework, family gathering and relaxing before bed, causing kids to feel rushed and anxious. To help reduce this stress, consider eliminating an activity. Your child can always join again next year once their stress is more manageable.
Kids have a lot on their plates during the school year, and it’s common for stress to develop as schedules get busier. With these tips, you can help your child manage back-to-school stress and keep them happy and healthy throughout the year.
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