A new class or a new school—especially the start of their school career—can be daunting to some children.
After the pandemic, this could be the first time many kids are away from their parents or family for an extended period of time.
According to healthcare officials at Priority Health, with all the new things to learn, people to meet, and expectations to follow, it’s natural to be a little nervous.
It’s when the nerves and butterflies in the stomach start to disrupt life—or just don’t stop—that parents should keep an eye out for.
Signs your child may be experiencing separation anxiety
Clingy behavior
Pleading
Tantrums
Nightmares or refusing to sleep alone
Needing frequent reassurance
How to help your kid
Be supportive, yet firm - You might say, “I think you’re feeling nervous, but you do have to go to school. Tell me what you’re worried about.”
Work with your child to create a solution
Make their teacher aware — they are trained to help handle separation anxiety!
Review their day and focus on what they enjoyed while separated
Use praise to reward kids who go to and stay at school all day without much difficulty — avoid rewarding with treats/sweets to avoid an unhealthy relationship with food
If this lasts more than a few days or become severe, make an appointment with their pediatrician.
Priority Health members can find more about their options here.
