The start of a new school year can bring excitement, anticipation and, for some children and youth, anxiety. Fraser Health is encouraging parents and caregivers to recognize the signs of back-to-school anxiety and support children as they adjust to new routines, relationships and expectations.
Worries about returning to school can affect students of all ages. Some may be concerned about making friends or fitting in, while others may be worried about schoolwork, starting at a new school or simply not knowing what to expect.
“Some nervousness about going back to school is completely normal, especially when children and youth are facing something new or uncertain,” shares Nelam Sall, program lead, Integrated Child and Youth, Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Fraser Health. “Parents and caregivers can start by asking what they’re worried about and really listening to what they have to say. Sometimes just feeling heard and talking through those worries together can help a child feel more prepared and supported.”
Anxiety does not always look like worry. A child or youth who is struggling may have trouble sleeping, become more irritable, complain of headaches or stomach aches, experience changes in mood or behaviour, or start avoiding conversations or activities related to school.
Parents and caregivers can make the transition easier by talking with children about what to expect and how they are feeling.
Ways to support children and youth include:
- Gradually returning to regular sleep, meal and morning routines before school starts.
- Talking through what the first day or week will look like, particularly for students entering a new school or adjusting to a significant change.
- Asking open-ended questions about what they are looking forward to and what they are worried about.
- Acknowledging and validating their feelings rather than immediately reassuring them or telling them not to worry.
- Reminding them of challenges they have successfully worked through before and talking about strategies they can use when they feel overwhelmed.
- Helping them identify people they can turn to at home and at school.
If a child says they are scared or does not want to go to school, parents and caregivers can start by acknowledging their feelings and trying to understand what is worrying them. Working through those worries one step at a time and reminding children of challenges they have handled before can help build their confidence.
Photo: Nelam Sall, program lead, Integrated Child and Youth, Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Fraser Health.
As Nelam explains, “We can’t take away every uncomfortable feeling, but we can help children learn that they can cope with them.”
For many students, that nervousness will ease once school starts and they settle into a routine. Parents and caregivers should pay attention, however, if anxiety continues, becomes more intense or starts affecting a child’s sleep, relationships, daily activities or ability to attend school.
“Families don’t need to wait until a child is in crisis to ask for help,” explains Nelam. “If their anxiety isn’t easing, is becoming more intense or is starting to interfere with school, relationships or everyday life, it’s a good time to reach out for some additional support.”
For more information about child and youth mental health and available supports, visit: fraserhealth.ca/youthmentalhealth.
About Fraser Health:
We recognize that Fraser Health provides care on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and is home to 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region.
Fraser Health is dedicated to serving all Indigenous people, and honours the unique cultures of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit living within the Fraser Salish region.
Our hospital and community-based services are delivered by a team of 50,000+ staff, medical staff and volunteers dedicated to serving our patients, families and communities.