As the start of the school year gets closer, your children probably have some anxiety and nervousness. They are likely excited about the new possibilities and anticipate the start of school, but change is challenging. You may think that a little over-the-counter anxiety medication can help, but there are other steps you can take as well.
Teach Coping Mechanisms
Your children need to learn how to address anxiety when it hits them. They need coping mechanisms that help them regain their breathing and mental and emotional health. Therefore, teach them things like deep breathing. Show them that if they focus on something else, something fun like coloring, doodling, or playing with toys, they can subvert their anxiety.
Prepare in Advance
You also need to prepare yourself and your children in advance. Get excited about picking out school supplies and clothing. If possible, set up a meeting where they can meet their teachers. You may ask about homework, testing, and curriculum as well.
Then, learn and teach your children the warning signs of an attack. They may not have over the counter ADHD medication for child readily available while they are at school, so they need to know what to expect and how to combat it.
Adopt Set Routines
Children need routines. Their anxiety can increase if they don’t have them. Therefore, start well before school begins. It is vital that they get used to their bedtimes and wake-up times. However, get them started on a morning routine as well. For example, help them get ready for school or the day.
After school, your children should have specific things they do. They may have homework and then chores before dinner. Try to keep your meals at the same time as well.
Encourage Positive Self Talk
When you talk to your children, keep it positive. Teach them to talk positively about themselves, especially when they get disappointed or think they will disappoint you. As they begin speaking positively to themselves, they will start changing their thinking so it is more positive as well. Teach them to address negatives, but seek ways to discuss them in a more optimistic manner. They will gain confidence as they see their one bad grade as something they can learn from and do better next time.
Check-in Regularly
You and your children will likely experience stress at the start of the school year. Therefore, check in with each other regularly. Ask how their days were at school, what they learned, what challenges they faced, and how they dealt with them. Discuss ongoing problems and work together on solutions. Keep communication open with your children so they feel comfortable coming to you when something is not right.
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Seek Support From the School
The school staff is there to support and help your children. The school should have a mental health counselor on staff who can work with you on your children’s stress levels and anxiety. You should also speak with their teachers so they understand any anxiety issues. Discuss over-the-counter medications and their safety, e.g., “Is Brillia safe?” and access, if necessary, to these meds.
You can reduce your children’s anxiety about going back to school. Test out these strategies to see what works best for your children.
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