6 Tips for Easing Back-to-School Anxiety

The start of the school year can be a stressful time for children, especially those prone to feeling anxious about new surroundings and people. Kids may experience anxiety about starting a new school or even being in a new class at the same school. It's important to find ways to help alleviate their stress.

There are various reasons why kids may feel hesitant about returning to school, such as bullying, learning disabilities, negative school experiences, being a new student, or simply fear of missing their family. These factors can weigh heavily on a child. So, what can parents do to help their children reduce school nerves? It can be helpful to remind your child of these tips:

Identify Fears and Worries

The first step is for children to identify and discuss their feelings. Help your child identify a feeling by providing them with the language for how they feel, and help them describe what they are experiencing. Talk about feelings and provide examples of times that you, as the parent, have felt the same way. Help them remember that having fears and worries is normal and something that many people - even adults - can have.

Have a Plan to Reduce Anxiety

When your child is anxious about starting school, acknowledge their feelings and help them make a plan. Talk with them about what the first day of school will look like. Involve them in the preparation process by picking out their school supplies, helping to pack their lunch, or laying out their school clothes the night before. Detail the first day's schedule to reduce uncertainty and help ease anxious feelings.

Set Realistic Expectations

Let your child know that you don't expect perfection from them. Some children feel pressure to achieve and perform well at school. School can be challenging, but it should also be fun. Learning new skills takes time, so don't expect to master each one the first time you try. Remind your child that their performance in school doesn't determine worth or how much you love them. It also doesn't affect God's love for them. God's love is unwavering and perfect. (Romans 8:38-39).

Practice Coping Skills

When children feel anxious or stressed, they may respond by going into fight, flight or freeze mode. Their behavior may appear defiant, but it is a reaction to feeling scared. Teach your child healthy ways to manage anxiety. Some healthy coping techniques include taking deep breaths, recalling happy memories, or reciting memorized scripture.

Scriptures to help kids with anxiety or fear:

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done; then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ. – Philippians 4:6-7

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. – Proverbs 12:25

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7

Practice these coping skills with your child ahead of time so they feel comfortable them when needed.

Remember We are Image Barriers

All students, teachers, and parents at school are created in God's image (Gen 1:27), which means God made each person in His likeness. Although we may look different, wear different clothes, and have different beliefs and backgrounds, we all have the capacity for love, goodness, and kindness. As Christians, this means we should treat each person with kindness and love knowing that the God of the universe made everyone at school just as He made you. When we serve others, it can make a major impact on how we deal with our anxiety.

Pray Together

The best gift we can give our kids is prayer. Start praying now about the upcoming school year. Say a prayer together the night before the first day of school, and then pray together at the breakfast table before school. Address any fears they may have and give them to God. Ask your children what they want to pray for. Prayer is not just about reciting words; it's about finding God's peace and reminding us that He is in control.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Philippians 4:6

A Prayer for the First Day of School

Dear Lord, As our children start the new school year, we pray for their well-being, success, and safety. We ask for Your guidance throughout the year and the strength to show kindness and compassion to others. We pray that our children will learn what is right, gain new skills, and develop a love of learning. Keep them safe and surrounded by positive influences. Please give our teachers and administration patience, wisdom and energy for the school year ahead. May our children have positive attitudes, work hard, and show respect and obedience. Help them grow academically and in their relationship with You, and always remember Your love. We entrust this school year and our children to You. In Jesus' name, amen.