This information was accurate at the time of publication. Due to ongoing research and the changing nature of COVID-19, some information may have changed since the original publication date.
With the COVID-19 pandemic still lingering and cases on the rise, there is a lot of uncertainty about how safe our kids will be at school - especially those under 12 who are still unable to get vaccinated. With masking optional, many parents and kids feel more anxious than usual about returning to school this year.
, Director of Psychology Training at Huntsman Mental Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Institute, offers his expertise about the signs of anxiety in Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵren and teens, typical anxiety vs. an anxiety concern, and what parents and caregivers can do to help their Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ cope.
"Look for changes in their behavior," Powers says. "Big changes in your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ's behavior is a sure sign that your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ is struggling or needs help."
Powers explains that behavior like inattention, withdrawing from friends, family, and activities, more tearful or less cheerful than usual, difficulty sleeping (or sleeping too much), loss of appetite (or overeating), or increased irritability, are some signs that your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ may be experiencing unhealthy levels of stress.
There are physical symptoms too, including quick breathing, stomach aches, feeling too hot, tense muscles, diarrhea, or needing to go to the bathroom more than usual.
"As we head back to school, these anxious or depressed feelings may be temporary. It's important to have continuous open conversation and ask questions to find out how they are feeling and whether you need to seek additional help or support for your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ," says Powers.
"When something is important to you, and the future is uncertain, worry is NORMAL."
CJ Powers, PhD
Powers recommends using open-ended questions rather than yes/no questions to get your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ talking. He suggests that focusing your questions on how your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ is feeling is the most important. And that it can also be helpful to relate to their feelings to show that you understand what they are going through. Here are some direct, open-ended questions to ask your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ if you feel something is going on.
Whether it stems from COVID stress or general anxiety about social acceptance, it is normal for Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵren and parents to experience anxiety and stress when starting the new school year. . School and social relationships are a huge part of a Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ's life and the start of a new school year introduces a huge number of changes. Essentially, you are starting over. How do you not worry about going into a new year with new experiences?
Powers has some insight for those trying to navigate going back to school that is also helpful for adults going back to work or college-aged students going back to campus.
Common worries Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵren may feel are: will my friends still like me? Who will my teachers be, and will they like me? Will I be able to get good grades under new pressure? They may also feel nervous about their new environment, new classroom, new structure, and new routines. The added stress of a transition year - elementary to middle school, middle school to high school, and high school to college creates a whole set of worries that may range from "where will I eat lunch" to "will I be safe in this new environment."
As a parent, you feel the responsibility of worrying about your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ. Helping your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ navigate their worries may seem like an added parental stressor. Being around a parent who is also anxious and worried can make Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵren and young people more anxious and stressed. Powers recommends managing your worries so that you can be a better emotional support to your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ:
If your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ is struggling with anxiety or stress, there are ways to help them, including providing emotional support, working on practical strategies together, and finding professional help if needed. Here are Powers' suggestions to help your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ cope: