Home > Helpful Resources > Tip of the Week Articles

TIP OF THE WEEK ARTICLES

Back to School Jitters:
Helpful Tips to Calm Children and Adults

Dr. Peggy A. Vertreace, MFT
September 1, 2008

When it comes to beginning a new school year, some anxiety can be expected. Many questions about acceptance and performance can flood our imagination, and sometimes jitters set in.

For younger children, the first day of school can be compounded by leaving mom or dad for the first time. Although temporary, this separation could make the first day of school somewhat daunting. For the returning student, such concerns as fitting in, parental expectations or course work may be paramount issues.

Here are a few tips for parents and their scholars to ease the anxiety of back to school jitters:

  • Remind your child of the successes they have had in the past. Whether learning to tie their shoe laces or tackling a difficult subject head-on.
  • Share with your child one of your own success stories in the face of anxiety.
  • Let your child know that it is okay to feel anxious.
  • For first timers (children and parents), spend an hour or so at the new school before school starts (or even a few days later). This "getting acclimated" exercise could ease anxiety.
  • Older students returning to the same school will have some familiarity with the environment, and the expectation of seeing old friends can go a long way in addressing their anxiety of fitting in.
  • Remind your child that a new beginning can give them the opportunity to express their talents in new and positive ways.
  • For older students beginning a new school, sometimes further away from home, can be like charting unknown territory. To ease these jitters, parents and their older student can brainstorm ways in which to explore the resources available to them in the new school.
  • Parents can encourage their student of any age, by letting them know that they have confidence in them and that they are there for them. This can go a long way in boosting self-esteem.
  • Plan a First Day of School Celebration to mark this momentous occasion. A positive outlook could be carried throughout, not only the first day of school, but the whole school year.

I'll never forget the first day of school for one of my own children. After escorting him to his classroom, it was I who had difficulty in saying goodbye. My five year old had no problem with his new experience, yelling back "Bye Mom," as I tearfully looked on. I realized then, that he would be okay, and so would I. Remember parents, that you have been planning for this since you first laid eyes on your child. Job well done. Relax.

Dr. Peggy A. Vertreace, MFT is a Staff Therapist at CFR's Spring House office and can be reached at 215-628-4620 x8.

For more relationship advice, check out our Archive of Relationship Tips.

CFR Experts in the Media

Women and Sex
It's Your Call With Lynn Doyle

Working Moms
KYW News Radio

Fifty Shades of Grey
NBC 10

Keeping It Interesting in the Bedroom
LovingYou.com

Every week, CFR's experts offer advice in the media on a variety of topics. See all media highlights.

SPECIAL OFFER:
Relationship Checkup
3 Sessions for only $99


Click here for details

Make an appointment

Take the next step. Partner with a therapist for professional care.

Or, contact us directly at (215) 382-6680
or by filling out our online form

Support our mission

It's as simple as:

making your online purchases through our Amazon.com link
or making a quick tax-deductible donation through our secure online payment system

Either way, thanks for helping us help people live their best lives.