Starting school is often a daunting experience for children. Letting go can be a struggle for the parents too, particularly if your child says she doesn’t want to go. The anxiety is more to do with leaving a familiar environment, and their main carer rather than actually going to school. This reaction is common among young children, affecting around six in each class.
As a parent, what are the signs of anxiety I should look out for in my child?
- Looking unhappy and withdrawn.
- Complaining frequently of sore throats, tummy aches etc, which disappear when the child is allowed to stay home.
- Crying and getting upset at the thought of going to school.
What are some of the triggers of this anxiety?
- Starting school for the first time.
- A long absence from school, such as from illness or after the summer holidays.
- Particular tasks or activities the child is not comfortable with.
- The arrival of a new sibling may make an older child feel threatened.
- Difficulties or changes at home, such as divorce, new partners and sick siblings or parents.
- Moving up to a different school.
What can I do to help my child overcome the anxiety around going to school?
- Talk to your child to try to find out the cause of their anxiety. It is important at this stage to rule out bullying or any academic difficulties.
- Arrange a meeting with your child’s teacher and explain that your child is having difficulties.
- Agree on a plan based on small manageable steps to tackle the problem.
- Praise your child for every achievement they make, however small it may seem.
- Anxiety feeds anxiety, so it is very important that you remain calm and rational with your child.
