By Dr. Sanam Hafeez, NYC Licensed Neuropsychologist
and School Psychologist
While
the start of a new school year comes with excitement for kids, it also comes
with stress. It’s common for kids to feel overwhelmed this time of year
especially as they navigate the challenges that crop up with a new school year.
This stress can manifest itself in stomach aches, headaches, loss of appetite,
even depression. Here are 5 common top back to school stressors and how parents
can help their kids to bust them.
1.
Facing the bully.
For
kids who are bullied, summer break also means a break from the relentless
verbal and at times physical abuse that can be crushing to a kid’s self-worth.
Oftentimes kids won’t tell parents that they are being bullied because they are
embarrassed or fear telling school administrators will only escalate the
bullying. As the school start date approaches, pay attention to your kid’s
anxiety level. Communicate and ask them what they are looking forward to this
school year. Ask them who are they most excited to see when they return to
school. Listen for any negativity and seek to understand where it comes from.
Ask if they ever witnessed bullying and what they would do if they did. If your
child reveals that they don’t want to see a certain group of kids ask why and
get as much information as you can. You want to show your kid that they have
your support without judgement.
2.
Extra work!
Kids
who once did great may enter the new year and feel overwhelmed with the
additional school work. Perhaps they aren’t grasping the material as quickly as
they once did. This is common especially in math at the junior high level. Once
parents can no longer help kids with homework, they may want to invest in
tutoring. Before selecting a tutor it’s wise to have your child be evaluated to
get clarity on how they learn best. Some kids are visual learners making a math
tutor who helps the student to “see” how the equations play out in visual
analogy are tremendously helpful. Another solution that can benefit the whole
family is hiring a time management or accountability coach to help the entire
family to manage schedules effectively.
3.
Tuition bills.
With
the skyrocketing cost of education, many kids listen to parents discussing the
stress they feel about college tuition and then take on that stress themselves.
Money is a stressful topic because it is usually never spoken about openly and
honestly. Some students may wonder if college is even a right option for them
but fear voicing this opinion. Many feel that higher education leaves them ill
prepared for “the real world.” Many parents and kids question the value of the
six-figure tuition price tag. There has been a slow shift away from traditional
education in favor of entrepreneurship. Perhaps an internship at a small
business a few days per week after school can provide them with more hands-on
experience on a path that truly interests them and can be even more lucrative. Showing
your kids there are many ways to achieve success, presents options they may not
have ever known existed.
4.
The unknown.
Whether
your child is starting school for the first time or entering junior high, high
school or even college; anxiety is common when we are uncertain. Anxiety
doesn’t discriminate and older kids get anxious about the unknown just the same
as the younger kids do. It’s common for small children to have separation
anxiety at the start of school and for homesickness to strike college freshman
living away for the first time. Touring the school, getting to know teachers in
advance, and getting as much information beforehand helps kids to mentally
prepare for what they can expect.
5.
Social status and drama.
The
return to school comes with the return to more kids and more social drama.
Usually in the summer, kids stick to their immediate group of best friends.
During the school year, they are forced to get along with everyone. The gossip
and constant pressure to fit in can cause anxiety. Simple things like choosing
clothing, hairstyle and over all appearance can cause a lot of pressure. Teens
especially are trying to get a handle on body image and are often feel anxious
about being judged by other kids. It’s important to be supportive and
understanding while reaffirming your child’s strengths and larger goals. When
your kids are busy focused on what they want to achieve and what they enjoy
doing, they’re less likely to have time to concern themselves with the opinions
of others.
About
the expert:
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a
NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the
prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical
Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a
neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and
Queens.
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