It is officially September, and if your children have not gone back to school already, they will be heading back soon. There are many reasons why, as a parent, you may have some anxiety about sending your kids back to school this year. You might worry about how your child is going to adjust, whether or not they will make friends, or how well they will behave for their teachers. 

This year, however, there are perhaps more reasons than usual that may induce anxiety. The nation continues to heal after the recent Texas shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas. Additionally, students are continuing to adjust to in-person learning along with lifted COVID–19 protocols. This is a stressful time for many parents and if this is your situation, you are not alone. 

There are steps that you can take to help alleviate your anxiety and help you feel more prepared for sending your child back to school. Some tips include:

#1. Take the Time to Reflect on How You’re Feeling 

When dealing with anxiety, it is easy for worries to snowball to the point where they are no longer rational concerns. If this is how you are feeling, it can help to sit down and reflect upon why. Do some journaling and try to come up with a list of all the worries you may have associated with your child returning to school. Then take a short break and return to your list when you are feeling calmer or are in a better headspace. 

When you have a new perspective, you may look at this list and find out that some of your concerns involve outcomes that are not only highly unlikely but possibly even irrational. You may also find that there are steps that you can take to help prevent some of these negative outcomes. This can ease feelings of being overwhelmed and help you feel more in control of the situation. Speaking with a trusted friend or family member can also help you work through how you are feeling and gain a better perspective. 

#2. Help Prepare Your Child 

While it is crucial to avoid sparking fear in your child in regards to returning to school or attending school for the first time, there are ways that you can help prepare them for certain situations they may face so they will be better equipped to handle them. This can help you find some relief from your anxiety as you know your child will know what to do if they experience such things. The particular situations that you may want to prepare your children for will certainly vary depending upon the child’s age and maturity. For younger children, some examples of situations that parents can help them prepare for include: 

• What do I do if I miss my bus? 
• What do I do if a classmate is not sharing a toy? 
• What do I do if I have a question about what is going on in class? 
• What do I do if kids are not including me in their games? 

For older children, you may feel more comfortable preparing your child for more serious issues. Some examples may include: 

• What do I do if there is an active shooter at my school? 
• What do I do if I or someone close to me is being bullied? 
• How do I keep myself healthy and avoid getting sick? 
• Who do I talk to if I feel scared or anxious at school? 
• What happens if I get sick and am not able to keep up with my assignments? 

#3. Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out to Your Child’s Teacher 

You can find relief from back-to-school anxiety by getting to know your child’s teacher better and addressing some of these concerns with them. You may find that your child’s teacher is prepared for some of the situations you are stressed about and are actively taking steps to help their students prepare for such outcomes. When you realize that your child’s teacher truly has their student’s best interests in mind, you can begin to relax by knowing that your children are being well cared for and are in the proper hands. 

#4. Take Care of Your Own Mental Health 

At the end of the day, the best way that you can combat back-to-school anxiety is by taking care of your own mental health. Do not be afraid to consider reaching out to a therapist to work through your emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Most importantly, remember that there are ways to find relief without having to turn back to substance use. 

There are so many reasons why a parent may feel a little anxious about their child heading back to school this year. Of course, there are regular concerns, such as how to prepare a child for a new schedule, but there are also other more serious concerns related to recent school shootings and life after the COVID-19 pandemic. It can help to prepare your children as much as possible through honest conversations and true dialogue. It can also help to communicate clearly with your student, take the time to speak with their teacher, and take care of one’s own mental health. If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, our team at The Kimberly Center can help. Call (855) 452-3683 today to learn more about the types of services we provide. We may be the right fit for you.