It’s August and summer will be coming to a close. As the new school year approaches, anxiety can creep in for some children. Worries about if they will have friends in their class, who they will sit with at lunch, and even whether they might get in trouble. In my work with children, I have found a few key strategies based in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that can help children navigate their anxiety at the start of the school year.
Calming Skills: Every child needs their own toolbox of strategies for calming their body. Tools like deep breathing, fidgets, a favorite scent to smell, a small comfort object, or an activity to distract themselves. These tools help the child regulate their body and get their mind on something different. Every child has their own preferences and I encourage you to have fun putting together a tool box with their favorite things!
Exposure: Anxious children tend to avoid situations that make them feel nervous. Exposure involves gradually introducing a child to those new situations. August is a great time to start gradual exposures in preparation for the start of the school year. Exposures may include orientation, meeting a teacher, meeting a classmate, walking around the school, or practice finding a classroom. Completing exposures in the summer can help a child feel prepared and more confident for the first day of school.
Support: A child with anxiety may appreciate having a support plan in place. Who can they contact during the school day if they feel anxious? Where can they implement their calming skills? How will they notify their teacher if they need to take a break or visit the school counselor? Putting a plan in place with the support of school staff can alleviate some of a child’s ‘what if’ worries.
If your child continues to struggle with anxiety, I encourage you to reach out to the school counselor for in-school support or one of our counselors to help your child develop an individual plan for addressing their worry. I hope and pray your child’s new school year will be blessed!