SHREVEPORT, La. - With children across the ArkLaTex returning to school, some may be dealing with more than just first-day nerves.
Ochsner LSU Health child psychiatrist Dr. Pamela McPherson says some anxiety about returning to school is normal. In fact, she says more than 75% of high school students and about 50% of middle school students report feeling anxious about going back to school.
Two of the biggest sources of anxiety for children are academic and social success. Those worries can look different depending on a child's age.
For younger children, anxiety may show up as being tearful or clingy. It can also appear as oppositional behavior. As children get older, McPherson says they may be more likely to isolate themselves or become increasingly irritable.
Parents should pay attention to changes in their child's behavior and avoid simply dismissing their concerns.
Instead of telling a child not to worry, McPherson recommends asking what specifically is making them anxious and helping them develop a plan to address those concerns.
Parents should take a closer look when anxiety begins interfering with a child's ability to function normally.
Warning signs can include refusing to go to school or experiencing physical symptoms related to school that disappear once the school bus leaves or the child no longer has to attend. In those situations, McPherson recommends talking with the child's pediatrician or a mental health professional.
School counselors can also be a valuable resource, particularly for children who may not feel comfortable discussing their anxiety at home. For parents, McPherson says the most important thing is to keep the conversation going.
Ask open-ended questions, listen to your child's concerns, and help them plan for situations that may cause anxiety as they adjust to the new school year.
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