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Back-to-school anxiety: How can parents help?

La Prensa
Aug 23, 2016

As the school year begins, many pupils feel many emotions going back to school including anger and anticipation; however, anxiety is the growing emotion many kids feel.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) states that anxiety disorders affect 1 in 8 children. Many parents feel sentimental about their child going to school and do not know how to cope with their children during the new school year.

As the disease continues to grow, there is hope for family members to ease the nerves and to grow stronger. La Prensa spoke with Licensed Psychologist Dr. Joshua Essery at Clarity Child Guidance Center to learn how to tackle the emotions of the student.

"It is important to understand that every child on some level experiences anxiety," stated Dr. Essery. "When going back to school, it often means that they refuse to go to school and avoid certain activities including interacting with teachers or peers. It can impact the child's self-esteem and how they see the world in the future if the anxiety is not effectively addressed by those around them."

Dr. Essery advised that the first step to defeat anxiety is to have an open dialogue with your child. It is recommended to approach your child with compassionate interest and openness by asking questions about school without making assumptions.

For a younger child who might use less dialogue, Dr. Essery said it is essential to ask them if they would be willing to draw a picture about the first day of school and talk about it. "It is important for all children to know that they can talk to their parents or family members without any fear to open up," he mentioned.

Parents and family members are also recommended to have a realistic view of the child's strengths and needs. This step will help the parents understand that the child is the one that has to experience success and failure on his/her own during school, whether with peers or school work.

Parents can aim towards the child's independence, while also ensuring that the child receives an appropriate amount of support and supervision to do their best.

Finally, Dr. Essery wants parents to remember that the educational process and the academic work go hand in hand. When kids are in school, he added, they are educated and socialized in a different way from home, exceeding expectations and function within a societal structure with others who are different, which can progress social skills, self-awareness and the ability to understand others.

"It is important for families to recognize that going back to school bring a lot of feelings. It is important that parents take time to reflect on their own emotional experience and to ensure that they are taking care of themselves so they can be at their child's needs," concluded Dr. Essery.

By Christina Acosta

christina@laprensasa.com

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