With the excitement and first-day jitters of a new school year now in our rearview mirror, it is important to recognize that your child’s mental health needs continue throughout the school year. Whether it be starting at a new school, making new friends or the looming pressure of college applications, kids are managing a lot of emotions throughout the school year.
We spoke with Sarah Edwards, DO and associate professor in the department of psychiatry and pediatrics at University of Maryland School of Medicine and director in the division of child and adolescent psychiatry and medical director of child and adolescent psychiatry services at University of Maryland Children’s Hospital, to learn about how parents can recognize school-year stressors in their child and help them manage them to support a happy and healthy school year.
What are the triggers of stress in children during the school year?
Problems start kicking in after the first-day jitters subside. It is important for parents to recognize and understand why anxiety may continue to rise. Increased academic and social pressure are the primary triggers of stress and worry in children during the school year. Depending on the age of the child, academic pressure increases. Kids worry about their performance. Some expect learning to be easy and stress under challenge and worry. Social pressure comes in many forms, the most common being conflicts, and bullying and the influences of social media which promotes fear of judgement.
What are the warning signs or indicators that your child is feeling stressful or anxious during the school year?
It is very important for parents to recognize early warning signs of stress and anxiety. School avoidance is a key indicator, as are headaches, irritability, change in academics, tearfulness, Sunday night jitters and fears. For younger children, parents may see increased clinginess as well. And, for almost any child, withdrawal from friends, avoiding activities and using increased screen time as an escape should raise a red flag to parents.
How can parents help minimize stress in kids during the school year?
It is important for families to maintain good routines, setting expectations for mornings, breakfast, at home after school and bedtime. The importance of making sure children get enough good rest cannot be overstated. For older children, screen time in the evening can have a significant impact on sleep time. It is also important to validate feelings and let children know they are in a safe place to share those feelings. And parents should maintain gentle but firm expectations. When parents make accommodations, this fuels anxiety and makes the situation worse. Be supportive to build confidence and use positive affirmation to help them build life skills for coping. Be sure to collaborate with teachers and counselors at school, as well, to be sure everyone is seeing the complete picture and doing their part to support the child.
What can older children do to self-manage stress or anxiety associated with the school year?
Parents and caregivers are kids’ biggest teachers. They can help older kids by modeling coping strategies, such as breathing exercises, talking, acknowledging failures and learning from situations.
If parents are concerned about their child’s school related stress/anxiety, what do you recommend they do to help them?
Talk to your child. Have an open conversation to allow space to express concerns. When depression or severe anxiety develops or when it starts to impact functioning, early intervention is key. If parents see grades declining, changes in mood, withdrawal and leaving activities, parents should seek guidance. Start with the pediatrician. Connect with teachers and counselors at school. Parents can also resource local mental health clinics and online parent support groups.
What can parents put in place to support strong mental health in their children throughout the school year?
Listen and validate. Stick with routines, as it helps kids feel safe and grounded. Establish boundaries with screen time. Create a healthy lifestyle for the family that includes good nutrition, exercise and sleep. And model positive coping strategies and open dialogue through communications.
Lisa Clough is a health journalist and Certified Health Education Specialist.
