As parents, you want nothing more than to see your children thrive and enjoy starting school and the experience of going to school. However, for some youngsters, the prospect of heading to school can trigger intense school anxiety, making it difficult for them to attend school regularly. If you’ve noticed your child experiencing worry, fear, or reluctance about going to school, you’re not alone.
It’s a common challenge many families face, and there are ways to help. In this blog post, we’ll explore the signs of school-related anxiety and discuss practical strategies to support your child through this difficult time, ensuring they can approach their education with confidence and enthusiasm.
Understanding Your Child’s Mental Health
It’s important to recognise that anxiety about school is a common issue that can affect a child’s mental health, impacting children of all ages, from younger children just starting nursery to older children such as teenagers facing new academic challenges. Children struggling and worrying can manifest in various ways, and as parents, caregivers and teachers, we need to be sensitive to the signs.
Your child might experience physical symptoms like tummy aches or headaches, emotional distress such as excessive crying or irritability, or behavioural changes like clinginess or tantrums. Keep an eye out for shifts in their appetite, sleep patterns, or overall mood, as these can be telltale signs of underlying anxiety.
Remember, validating your child’s feelings is crucial. By acknowledging their concerns and showing that you understand, you’re creating a safe space for them to express themselves. This validation doesn’t mean you’re reinforcing their fears; rather, you’re letting them know it’s okay to feel anxious and that you’re there to support them through it.
Identifying the Causes of Anxiety
When it comes to understanding your child’s school-related anxiety, it’s crucial to explore the root causes. One important concept to consider is ’emotionally based school avoidance’ (ESBA), which reflects a more nuanced understanding of school refusal, emphasising emotional distress rather than a mere choice to skip school.
These causes can range from school-related stress and social pressures to underlying mental health issues. Consider factors like bullying, which sadly is present in every organisation, or heightened academic expectations that might feel overwhelming.
Work hard to establish if bullying is genuine or imagined – it can often be given as a reason without foundation.
Perhaps there have been significant changes in the school environment, such as moving to a new building or transitioning to secondary school.
It’s often helpful to have a chat with your child’s teacher or school counsellor to gain insights into the school atmosphere and potential triggers. They might spot things you can’t see from home. Don’t forget to rule out any underlying dietary or medical conditions that could be contributing to your child’s anxiety – a quick check-up with your GP can be reassuring.
By piecing together these different aspects, you’ll be better equipped to support your little one through this challenging time.
Identifying the Causes of Anxiety
Helping your child manage anxiety around going back to school requires patience and understanding from home and at school. As parents learning to recognise the signs of anxiety and mental health difficulties in your child and asking the right questions are important when they go back to school or are starting a new school.
Here are some of our top tips to support your child if they are experiencing anxiety:
- Encourage open communication with your child to understand their concerns and fears, this could come in the form of a conversation about their school day or asking why they feel anxious to go to school.
- Develop a plan to help your child gradually become comfortable with attending school and encourage them to speak to their teachers when feeling anxious or ask for additional support from the school.
- Teach your child relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, positive self-talk, or visualisation.
- Encourage your child to engage in physical activity or hobbies to help manage stress and anxiety when they go to school.
- If necessary, involve the school nurse, along with teachers and psychologists, to ensure your child receives the necessary support and comfort during their adjustment to a new school environment.
Supporting Your Child at Home and School
Supporting your child both at home and school is crucial for their emotional wellbeing and academic success. School life plays a significant role in shaping a child’s experiences, and addressing the challenges they face can greatly impact their integration and mental health.
We would recommend the following:
- Start by establishing a consistent morning routine, which can provide a sense of security and control, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.
- Work closely with your child’s teacher to create a tailored plan that supports your little one’s emotional needs in the classroom.
- As mentioned above encouraging your child to open up about their feelings to their teacher or school counsellor, reassuring them that it’s okay to seek help when needed.
- Attending parents’ evenings regularly; these meetings are invaluable for staying up-to-date on your child’s progress and addressing any concerns promptly.
By working closely strong home-school partnership can make a world of difference in your child’s educational journey.
School refusal and anxiety related absence
School refusal and anxiety-related absence are growing concerns in the UK, where children experience intense distress about attending school. This can manifest as physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches, or emotional outbursts when faced with going to school. Often rooted in anxiety, these issues can stem from various factors including social pressures, academic stress, Covid closures and isolation, or separation anxiety.
Left unaddressed, school refusal can lead to significant educational setbacks and long-term emotional difficulties. It’s crucial for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to work together, implementing strategies that gradually build the child’s confidence and coping skills, while addressing the underlying causes of their anxiety.
Seeking Mental Health Services
Consult with a mental health professional to rule out any underlying issues. Explore therapy options, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or family therapy. Consider medication if recommended. Seek support from a therapist or counsellor specialising in working with children and adolescents.
Finding Additional Resources and Support
When seeking support, explore online resources and parent-child support groups. Reach out to local mental health organisations for guidance. Consider a child-focused therapist if needed. Your child’s school and local authority can also provide valuable resources and strategies to help your child manage their anxiety effectively.
Advocating for Mental Health Support in Schools
It is crucial now more than ever due to rising mental health conditions amongst children and young people, the need for early intervention, and the opportunity to provide equitable access to support, ultimately fostering a generation of resilient, emotionally healthy individuals better equipped to face life’s challenges.
The UK government’s initiative to introduce senior mental health leads in schools is a significant step towards supporting children and young people’s emotional wellbeing. This approach complements key strategies for helping anxious children: establishing consistent routines, collaborating with teachers on tailored support plans, and maintaining open communication. Parents can further enhance this support by advocating for comprehensive mental health services and education programs in schools.
Our Senior Mental Health Leads training programme will give you the skills and experience you need to develop a positive approach to mental health across your whole school. There is grant funding for schools and colleges, but individuals can also fund the course themselves if they wish. If you are interested in finding out more get in touch today here.
Don’t forget to check out our ‘After The Bell’ podcast, which you can listen to on a weekly basis on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
If you would like any more information, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at info@connex-academy.com or call 01253 543 660.