First day of school pictures being taken in Visalia, California as students returned to classrooms Thursday, August 15, 2024.
© Ron Holman / Visalia Times-Delta / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Cleveland, OH) – As summer nears its end and the fall season approaches, kids are getting ready to head back to school. In some parts of the country, classes have already started up again. But what can parents around the Tri-state do when their kids are feeling anxious or stressed out amid “back to school”?
Child psychology researchers are here to provide some tips. Dr. Vanessa Jensen, who is with the Cleveland Clinic, wants to offer ways to ease the back-to-school jitters. She says this type of anxiety is common among younger kids. Dr. Jensen recommends sitting with children and asking them directly: “are you worried about this year?” From there, research suggests it’s important to never downplay a child’s concerns. Rather, assure your son or daughter, “we will get through this together.”
That said, if a child is regularly making excuses and finding ways not to attend school, outside assistance may be appropriate. Dr. Jensen says it’s important to include teachers, guidance counselors, and mental health professionals in conversations if a kid outright refuses to attend school.
