How to Support Your Child with Anxiety When School Starts

When the back-to-school season approaches, many children experience a mix of excitement and anxiety. For some, the anxiety can be overwhelming, affecting their ability to enjoy school and learn effectively. 

Understanding how to support your child during this time is key for a parent, but you don’t have to do it alone.

At The Center for Advanced Pediatrics in Darien and Norwalk, Connecticut, our board-certified pediatric providers specialize in helping children and their families navigate behavioral health challenges, including anxiety. 

Our practice offers services designed to provide comprehensive care for your child’s emotional well-being. Keep reading to learn effective strategies for supporting your child with anxiety as they transition back to school and the ways we can help. 

Understanding childhood anxiety

Childhood anxiety is more than just occasional worry or fear—it’s a persistent condition that can interfere with your child’s daily activities, including school performance, social interactions, and sleep. 

Recognizing the signs of anxiety in your child is the first step toward providing the support they need. While each child is unique, many children with anxiety have symptoms such as:

• Persistent worries or fears about routine activities
• Physical symptoms, like unexplained stomach aches, headaches, or muscle tension
• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Avoidance of school or social situations
• Excessive clinginess to parents or caregivers

Understanding these symptoms helps you identify when your child might need extra support.

Ways to support your anxious child

Supporting a child with anxiety involves creating a supportive and understanding environment. Here are some effective strategies to try if your child’s anxiety builds as the school year approaches:

Encourage open communication

Encourage your child to talk about their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to feel anxious and you’re there to listen and help. 

Ask open-ended questions about their day, like what they’re looking forward to or worried about. Be sure to leave room for your child to answer — anxious children sometimes need a moment or two to gather their thoughts.  

Establish a routine

Consistency can help reduce anxiety — especially for kids. Establish a predictable daily routine that includes homework, play, and relaxation time. 

Knowing what to expect can make your child feel more secure. If you need help creating a routine, talk to your provider at The Center for Advanced Pediatrics for personalized guidance based on your child’s age and needs. 

Practice relaxation techniques together

Teach your child relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness exercises, and do them together. These tools can help them manage their anxiety in stressful situations.

Lean into positive reinforcement

Praise your child’s efforts and accomplishments, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and helps them feel more capable of handling anxiety-causing situations.

Limit exposure to stressors

Working with your child to identify and reduce exposure to everyday stressors can be helpful. This might include limiting screen time, especially before bed, and ensuring your child has a quiet, comfortable, relaxing space.

Personalized help for childhood anxiety

If your child’s anxiety is severe or persistent, professional help may be necessary. The Center for Advanced Pediatrics offers specialized behavioral health services to support your child’s mental well-being.

Here’s a look at the tools we use to help your child succeed in and out of school:

Psychotherapy

Our providers offer psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help children understand and manage their anxiety. These therapies teach children to recognize negative thought patterns and behaviors and develop coping strategies.

Medication management

In some cases, medication may be helpful to help control anxiety symptoms. Our team discusses the pros and cons of medication with you and provides careful monitoring for safety and efficacy. 

Coordination with your child’s school

We work closely with your child’s school to ensure they get the support they need in the classroom, including coordinating with teachers and school counselors to create a supportive learning environment.

If your child is struggling with anxiety as the new school year approaches, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Schedule an appointment with our compassionate team at The Center for Advanced Pediatrics in Darien or Norwalk, Connecticut.