Helping Your Child Navigate Anxiety at School

If your child regularly says they’re anxious about school, it might help to know that they aren’t alone. A recent survey by Nemours Children’s Health found that 64% of kids ages 9-13 reported feeling worried about school. 

Although the reasons for these worries vary, without addressing the issue, persistent anxiety can affect your child’s mental health, academic performance, and quality of life. 

At Broderick Healthcare in North Reading, Massachusetts, Kathleen Broderick Logan, FNP-C, regularly helps kids and teens manage school-related anxiety. In this blog, we address how to spot signs that your child may be struggling and tips for helping them manage these emotions.

Recognizing the signs of school anxiety

Children and teens don’t always say how they’re feeling out loud. Many try to handle big feelings on their own or worry that asking for help will make them look weak or dependent. 

Despite these challenges, parents typically don’t have to do too much detective work. School-related worries often cause obvious symptoms, including:

• Frequent stomachaches, headaches, or other physical symptoms before school
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in appetite
• Excessive concern about grades, social situations, or making mistakes
• Emotional outbursts or increased irritability

Sometimes, anxious kids avoid activities altogether. For example, your child might stop wanting to attend sports practices or other extracurricular activities.

Simple ways to support a child with school-related anxiety

The good news is that school-related anxiety isn’t necessarily a permanent problem. Here are a few simple but effective ways to offer support as a parent:

1. Talk openly about their feelings

Children and teens often worry that emotions, such as depression and anxiety, are too big or too intimidating to discuss. As a result, they may keep these feelings to themselves rather than manage them in healthy, productive ways.

As a parent, you can reduce some of this stigma by encouraging your child to discuss their feelings openly and honestly. Explaining that you experience these feelings from time to time yourself, and that you aren’t there to judge them, can go a long way toward getting them to open up.  

2. Establish a consistent routine

Many kids and teens have busy schedules. In addition to school, they may play sports, attend regular social events, or participate in other after-school activities. These extracurriculars can help support your child’s health and well-being, but if there’s never time to slow down, take a break, or have a bite to eat, their worry or anxiety may worsen.

Establish a schedule that makes room for predictable:

• Mornings
• Meals
• Homework
• Bedtime

When kids know what to expect at certain intervals, there are fewer things to worry about.

Remember: You don’t have to be perfect or rigid. Schedules regularly change, but the goal is to establish a basic structure that makes it easier for your child to navigate the day. 

3. Teach healthy coping strategies

There’s no way to prevent worry and anxiety altogether. Life is stressful, and challenges will always arise. However, teaching your child healthy coping strategies can make it easier for them to navigate these ups and downs confidently. 

For example, if you notice your child gets upset after receiving a low grade on a test or assignment, encourage them to reframe their thoughts positively. A mistake isn’t the end of the world; it’s a learning experience. 

Other strategies we recommend include:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Mindfulness techniques, such as yoga and meditation
• Breaking large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps

It’s also important to ensure that your child has time outside of school to focus on something else. Encourage them to read, spend time with friends, or pick up a hobby that lets them explore their interests. These and other similar activities can lower stress and make it easier for your child to stay positive in the classroom.

4. Partner with their school

The teachers, counselors, and other adults at school see your child regularly. Don’t hesitate to share your concerns or observations with them. 

Many schools can accommodate children with anxiety by adjusting teaching strategies or classroom settings. They may even monitor your child’s progress over time and provide regular updates.

5. Consider professional help

If your child’s anxiety persists even after making changes at school and home, they may benefit from professional help. Counseling services, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can teach your child how to manage strong emotions in healthier ways.

Some children may also benefit from medication for anxiety or ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder).

We can help your child navigate anxiety at school

If your child regularly feels worried about or overwhelmed by school, partnering with a qualified medical professional can identify the underlying cause and offer treatments that help manage their symptoms more effectively.

To get your child the assistance they need, contact Broderick Healthcare today. Request an appointment online, or call the office at 617-905-1978.