Back to School Anxiety

'No, I don't want to go!' Your child sobs, looking up at you with those wide eyes and tear-streaked face, begging for mercy. Or, clutching his stomach in feigned agony, your child cries, 'I feel sick ' I can't go to school today!'
The first day of the new school year should be an exciting time of looking forward to new clothes, new teachers, and new friends. Why is it that some children dread starting school in the fall?

There are many reasons why children may be reluctant, or even frightened, about returning to the classroom. A new environment can be a tremendous adjustment for a youngster, whether they are moving from one school to another or simply going into a new classroom with unfamiliar students and a different teacher. However, children may also have a particular attitude towards school, which creates their intense fear.

Lack of Self-Confidence 'I can't do it!'

If children do not believe in themselves, they may not think they are capable of succeeding in school. To build confidence, set reasonable goals and praise your child's achievements. When a child finds that he or she can complete small tasks, he or she will not be afraid to move on to bigger and better challenges.

Fear of Failure or Fear of Criticism From Others 'You can't do it 'You're stupid!'

Children having trouble keeping up in school may feel afraid or embarrassed to ask questions in class, for fear they will be teased by classmates. When they do not ask for help, this fear of failure often causes students to fall further behind in school.

Lack of Motivation 'I won't do it'

When a child is unmotivated, they may be expressing boredom or frustration with the materials being studied. When 'textbook knowledge' is not being applied to everyday life, the information may seem meaningless. The key to motivating a child to learn is to make learning interesting. Reading food boxes and cans, counting cars on the highway and writing letters to friends are just a few things to give real world meaning to school work. Lack of motivation may also come from a child feeling incapable of doing the work. Again, show the child all of the little things they can accomplish and the larger tasks will follow.

Negative Attitude About Learning 'I don't want to do it!'

Children that have a negative attitude about learning may see school as a chore. As a parent, you can change this attitude by making learning enjoyable. Set an example by taking an interest in learning yourself. Reading with your child and helping him or her do homework are only two things you can do. Your child will be enthusiastic about going to school when he or she discovers that learning can be fun!

Lack of Basic Skills 'I don't know how to do it!'

Your child certainly will be frustrated if he or she cannot keep up with classmates or school assignments due to lack of basic skills. If your child was having problems at the end of the school year, the introduction of new material may create even more difficulty. By working on a child's weak areas through tutoring, knowledge will fall into place, and then self-confidence and motivation are sure to follow. An academic check-up can show a child's strengths and weaknesses and determine if they have the basic skills to succeed.

Compliments of Susan J. Holmes
Huntington Learning Center-Greensburg