It’s back-to-school season, which is usually a very exciting time for a child. Pick out a new “first day” outfit, reunite with friends, get back into after school clubs and sports, and maybe even find a class or two they enjoy. However, this year, back-to-school promises to be unlike others in the past, because it marks the mass return of students to in-person learning, after COVID-19. That means children won’t only be dealing with the standard first day nerves, but potentially an increase of other back to school and COVID-19 anxiety.
So back-to-school supplies this year shouldn’t only include pens and notebooks. Self-care plans will be crucial for children as well.
COVID-19 and Kids-Going Back to School
COVID-19 has been a mental health challenge for children, including leading to an increase in mental health-related emergency department visits by children. This can be because of many different reasons, including the change in the child’s routine, loss of connection to friends, missing important events like a school dance, trouble adapting to online learning, and more.
Some homes have also faced financial hardship relating to COVID-19, and that can impact a child as well- housing insecurity, less food on the table, the stress of the parent or parents trickling down to the children.
It’s because of all of this that there is some hope that children returning to the classroom could improve their mental health. But you can’t disregard the stresses as well. There are many signs that a child may be experiencing mental stress, including new unhealthy habits, excessive worrying, trouble focusing, poor school performance, body aches, and regression.
Anxiety Challenges in the Classroom
Some anxiety may come from health-related concerns. In Duval classrooms, facemasks are “strongly recommended” but will not be required, even among grades that are too young to be vaccinated. Temperature checks are being discontinued and desk shields will not be mandated in most cases, although cleaning and sanitizer supplies will remain widely available.
Children with underlying medical conditions or those concerned about the virus, therefore, may face a daily concern for their health and wellbeing, even if they take all the right steps to protect themselves.
Because children may also have spent less time around friends this past year, they may have some anxiety about social settings. This is especially true if some of their friends have been meeting up, while your child has stayed home. They could also specifically worry about in-school social issues, like seeing a bully again.
Back to School and COVID-19 Anxiety-Helping Children Prepare
The important thing to do heading into this school year with children is acknowledge to them that things are different. It may feel tempting to allow your child to act like this is just another school year, but they need to feel comfortable coming to you if they don’t feel that way.
You can support them through small gestures as well, but make sure the line of communication is open, because younger children may not understand what they’re feeling, and older children may be embarrassed to ask.
Also keep in mind that children may model your behavior, so practice good hygiene and engage in self-care for yourself as well!
It is also important to know when your child’s stress is at a manageable level, or when professional support would be helpful. Jax Therapy Network has a searchable database of locally, licensed mental health professionals who can provide support for your child.
Ready to find your therapist? Search the Jax Therapy Network and find help with back to school anxiety with professional therapy and anxiety counseling support.
