Justine O'Malley Counselling and Therapy Services

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 Back-to-school anxiety is normal and understandable. Many children may feel anxious about going back to school after a long summer break. Others may feel nervous about starting school for the first time.

SIGNS OF ANXIETY

When children are anxious, they may not know how to put their feelings into words. Instead, look for clues in their behavior. Children who are experiencing anxiety may:

*Appear more clingy than normal
*Be restless and fidgety
*Complain of stomachaches
*Display changes in eating and sleeping habits
*Express negative thoughts or worries
*Get upset or angry more quickly
*Have bouts of unexplained crying
*Struggle to concentrate
*Tell you they don't want to return to school

TIPS FOR PREPARING TO RETURN TO SCHOOL

*Encourage your child to talk to you about what is troubling them.
*Listen without judgment and validate their feelings.
*Introduce a 'growth mindset approach' - add the word 'YET' eg I don't know anyone at my new school YET!'
*Start transitions in the last week of holidays - for younger children have crunch and sip, morning tea and lunch at times similar to school with similar foods and using a lunchbox. For older children help set up a homework area and ease into a healthy sleep pattern with earlier nights and reduced technology before bed.
*Be positive about returning to/starting school and remind your children about what makes going to school great.

If your child is still feeling anxious about returning/starting school professional support may be required. Justine O'Malley is an AASW registered Social Worker and Counsellor as well as a TRB registered Teacher with over 30 years experience of working with children.
Justine has a Private Counselling practice and is available to support your child return /start school.