{"id":1576722,"date":"2019-08-14T10:04:25","date_gmt":"2019-08-14T14:04:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/?p=1576722"},"modified":"2025-06-11T10:33:08","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T14:33:08","slug":"cope-with-the-social-anxiety-for-going-back-to-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/en\/cope-with-the-social-anxiety-for-going-back-to-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Helping Kids Cope With The Social Anxiety Around Going Back To School"},"content":{"rendered":"

The long days of summer are coming to an end and back to school<\/a> reality is upon us. This time of year is full of excitement for kids – the anticipation of seeing old friends and picking out the best back-to-school gear. It can also bring on some anxiety and nerves as the first day approaches. Children can feel anxious about the unknowns that back-to-school brings, such as having a new teacher, navigating friendships and fitting in. The transition of being away from their parents and family can be difficult as well, especially after the long summer break together. The nerves can happen for kids of any age at this time, but typically children ages 4-8 feel it the most.<\/p>\n

Help beat the back to school jitters and prepare your child for the upcoming school year with these five Roo Approved tips:<\/p>\n

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Photo: Anita Jankovic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Plan a visit to your child\u2019s school<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Take your child to their school prior to the first day. If possible, have them visit their classroom, walk the halls, check out the lunch room and spend time in the playground. Children learn through their senses, so being in the space, seeing the sights and hearing the sounds can often help them understand what to expect and make them feel prepared. While you are visiting the school make sure to talk to your child about what to expect. Discuss where they will hang their backpack, where the bathroom is, and what lunch time will be like. Knowing the answers to these questions can help ease their anxieties<\/a> \u2013 as they see what you\u2019ve discussed play out at school, it will provide them with comfort. It is also beneficial to rehearse the commute to school. On the walk or during the car ride, talk with your child about the number of stop signs that you pass or the streets that you cross. This familiarity can also help your child feel more prepared.<\/p>\n

Learn some names<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Go over the name of your child\u2019s new teacher, as well as some names of the children who will be in their class. Use these names and talk about these individuals leading up to the start of school. This familiarity will help your child feel confident when they get in the classroom. It also means that you can give them a tangible task to help them interact with and make friends when they start school. (e.g. \u201cTry to find Max at lunch time; he will be fun to sit with\u201d).<\/p>\n

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Photo: Alaric Sim<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Set up some playdates<\/strong><\/h4>\n

If your child is starting at a new school or going to school for the first time, it can be beneficial to set up some play dates with other children who are in the class or grade at school. Having a positive play interaction in a supportive, familiar environment can help your child make a connection with someone they will see at school, and help them feel comfortable building on this connection independently when they are there. This can also help with drop-off – by saying \u201cGo find, Max. You both had so much fun playing in the park last week I am sure you will have a great time on the school yard climber today.\u201d Sometimes giving a specific \u2018friend-related\u2019 task to your child at drop-off can help ease their social anxieties. Follow up at the end of the school day too by asking your child if they played with their new friend.<\/p>\n

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Photo: Sai De Silva on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Create a drop off ritual <\/strong><\/h4>\n

Drop-off can be challenging for children of all ages, especially after spending the summer with mom and dad. Your child is transitioning from your comfort and care, which they are familiar with, to something new and different. Establishing a drop-off ritual for your child can help make this transition more successful for your child. A drop-off ritual is an activity or routine that is unique to you and your child that you do every time you drop them off at school. The predictability of a set ritual gives your child a sense of control and order. It helps them establish that their time with you is ending and their time at school is starting.<\/p>\n

Below are some tips to help you create effective drop off rituals:<\/p>\n