As the new school year approaches, a mix of excitement and stress can arise for students and parents. Psychotherapist Lori Griffith, a director at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Thames Valley, sheds light on the reasons behind back-to-school nerves, how to validate those emotions, and when seeking professional help may be beneficial.
In an interview with London Morning host Matt Allen, Griffith discussed the range of emotions students may experience as summer comes to an end. It’s common for students of all ages to feel anxious about returning to school due to factors such as adjusting to new teachers, routines, social expectations, academic pressures, and uncertainties.
Griffith emphasized that the goal is not to eliminate anxiety entirely but to help students learn how to cope with it. Before heading back to school, it’s normal for students to feel butterflies, worry about classmates, and feel nervous about new environments or teachers.
Regarding parental concerns, Griffith noted that it’s natural for both children and parents to feel nervous when facing new challenges. While some level of discomfort is expected, routines and familiarity can help alleviate anxiety as individuals settle into their new schedules.
The fear of the unknown and anticipatory anxiety are common reasons why children may feel nervous about entering a new grade. Children often struggle with imagining scenarios that could go wrong, leading to heightened anxiety levels.
For parents looking to support their children in new environments, Griffith suggested acknowledging their feelings rather than trying to remove or ignore them. Encouraging gradual exposure, expressing confidence in children, and maintaining predictable routines can help children feel secure and build resilience.
Parents should focus on teaching coping mechanisms rather than providing certainty in uncertain situations. Acknowledging that challenges may arise but expressing confidence in their child’s ability to handle them can foster resilience.
Recognizing when anxiety may require professional intervention is crucial. If anxiety persists, worsens over time, causes significant distress, or interferes with daily activities like school attendance, sleep, relationships, or other aspects of life, seeking professional support may be necessary.
By monitoring how anxiety impacts a child’s daily life, parents can determine when anxiety begins to control rather than visit their child’s life intermittently, signaling a need for additional help.