As the new school year approaches, many children are experiencing anxiety and stress. Psychiatrist Dr. Samantha Boardman shares her thoughts on how parents can help kids cope with back-to-school anxiety and the role smartphones play in kids' mental health.
The dawn of a new school year is often a time of excitement and anticipation for children and parents alike. However, for some kids, the back-to-school season can trigger feelings of anxiety and stress.
Data from the American Psychological Association indicates that reports of anxiety in children nearly doubled from 2012 to 2020, with an increase from 11.6% to 20.5%. This trend has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to widespread school closures and disruptions.
Back-to-School Anxiety: How Parents Can Help Kids Cope
According to Dr. Samantha Boardman, a New York-based positive psychiatrist, there are several signs parents can look for to identify anxiety in their children. These include difficulty concentrating, tension and fidgeting, sleep problems, or persistent complaints about not feeling well.
"Being human is a risk factor for anxiety," Boardman said. "I think kids today have heard these words a lot [anxiety and stress] and they're using it. They say 'I'm anxious or I'm stressed,' and parents want to sort of get out in front of that and say, ‘What, can I stop? How can I intervene on your behalf?’ And the result of that is avoidance, and avoidance begets avoidance."
Back-to-School Anxiety: How Parents Can Help Kids Cope
Boardman emphasizes the importance of exposing children to their fears rather than accommodating them. "We accommodate what that child is anxious about and say, 'I can talk to your teacher if you're uncomfortable about it, I can talk to the parent about that child,' and that's not helping our kids because we know that the best antidote for anxiety is exposing them to what they're afraid of."
In addition to facing their fears, there are several other ways parents can help kids cope with back-to-school anxiety. These include:
Back-to-School Anxiety: How Parents Can Help Kids Cope
* **Talking to your child about their feelings.** Let your child know that it's okay to feel anxious about the first day of school. Talk to them about what they're feeling and help them develop strategies for coping with their anxiety.
* **Creating a positive and supportive home environment.** Make sure your child feels loved and supported at home. This will help them feel more confident and secure about going to school.
Back-to-School Anxiety: How Parents Can Help Kids Cope
* **Setting limits on screen time.** Too much screen time can contribute to anxiety and stress in children. Set limits on how much time your child spends on their phone, computer, or tablet.
* **Encouraging your child to get regular exercise.** Exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Encourage your child to participate in regular physical activity.
* **Seeking professional help.** If your child's anxiety is severe or persistent, you may want to consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor.
By following these tips, parents can help their children cope with back-to-school anxiety and make the transition to a new school year as smooth as possible.
