Happy New Year and a warm welcome to our new families and a welcome back to our existing families.
School anxiety often creeps in during times of transition, either at the start of the school year or soon after the excitement from the holidays are over, and there is a sudden realisation of having to go back to school where the comfort and security of the home isn’t available and where routines are very different. Worries and fears take over and small issues cause overwhelming feelings and a general lack of control.
Whichever form it takes – fear, worry, or anxiety - they are all a very normal part of growing up; it is a sign that your child is starting to understand the world and they are trying to make sense of what it means for them. As your child develops and with time, they will figure out that what once seemed scary, isn’t scary after all.
However, these worries are very real to children and can cause a lot of distress, not just for the child but for the parents as well. It is important to remember that a worry or anxiety at certain ages and stages are completely appropriate, but some children will have more intense and intrusive thoughts.
If you feel your child is struggling with school anxiety, we highly recommend an article by Hey Sigmund, which compassionately sums up what parents need to know and can do to help their child. This can be read by clicking here.
BIS Counselling Team
The British International School Abu Dhabi
