It is completely normal for children to feel anxious about going back to school. Even though summer is only about ten weeks, that’s a lot of time for young children. Going back to school in September is almost like starting for the first time. If your child is anxious about going to school, follow these tips.

1. Restart those back to school routines

As you near the first day of school (usually about two weeks out), it’s time to reignite those old routines. Go back to school year bedtimes, eating at sensible times, and making preparations the night before for the next morning. Have them choose clothes, shower, pack bags, or do anything else before they go to bed so you have relaxing mornings. Get everyone up and dressed and fed before your usual out-the-door time.

2. Arrange playdates with classmates

If your kids haven’t seen any classmates over the summer, arrange for some play time. Studies show that socializing with their peers before school makes kids less anxious about the school. It’s like you’re easing them back into old relationships instead of thrusting them into a social circle on the same day school starts.

3. Validate their fears

If your child comes to you with concerns, don’t belittle them or disregard their fears. I know it may seem trivial, but these are real anxieties that bother them. If you brush them off, they’ll worry that their anxiety is abnormal and stress about that too! Be as supportive as you can.

4. Talk positively about the school year

Children tend to easily adopt our personalities and feelings. If we’re angry or sad about something, they will feel that. But if we’re happy and upbeat about something, they’ll emulate those feelings and behaviors too. As you approach the first day, talk openly about all the fun things they’ll do and people they’ll meet. Lament how you wish you could go back to school (which probably is the truth!).

5. Visit the school before the first day

If your child is attending a new school for the first time (maybe you moved or they’re advancing into high school or middle school), visit the school beforehand and take a walk around. If they have their schedule, visit their classroom so they get a feel for its location. Knowing where to go and what to do is often the biggest cause of anxiety in any new situation, so a quick visit can be soothing.

Was your child anxious about going back to school? How did you help?

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

Interested in writing a guest blog for Baby Elephant Ears? Send your topic idea to pr@babyelephantears.com.

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Baby Elephant Ears makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, current-ness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.