{"id":5962,"date":"2024-08-19T19:01:31","date_gmt":"2024-08-19T17:01:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/guide-for-families-how-to-handle-back-to-school-anxiety\/"},"modified":"2024-09-04T19:23:22","modified_gmt":"2024-09-04T17:23:22","slug":"guide-for-families-how-to-handle-back-to-school-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/en\/guide-for-families-how-to-handle-back-to-school-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide for families: How to handle back-to-school anxiety?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>Back to school is a time of year that can generate a mix of emotions in both children and adolescents.\nWhile some look forward to reuniting with friends and teachers, others may <strong>experience anxiety about the challenges the new school year brings<\/strong>, or experiencing the transition from vacation to school. <\/p>\n\n<p><strong><em>Dr. Gene Beresin<\/em> of Harvard Medical School has noted that rates of anxiety and depression in children have risen significantly in recent years<\/strong>, making the back-to-school season one of the most difficult he has seen in his 40 years of practice.<\/p>\n\n<p>In this context, <strong>it is crucial for parents to be attentive to the signs of anxiety in their children and to help them face the return to school in a positive way.<\/strong> Understanding the reasons behind this anxiety and learning how to manage it is key to support them in this transition.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>\u00bfQu\u00e9 encontrar\u00e1s aqu\u00ed?<\/h2><nav><ol><li><a href=\"#por-que-surge-la-ansiedad-de-la-vuelta-al-cole\"><a href=\"#por-que-surge-la-ansiedad-de-la-vuelta-al-cole\">Why does back-to-school anxiety arise?<\/a><\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#cambios-en-la-rutina\"><a href=\"#cambios-en-la-rutina\">Changes in routine<\/a><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#miedo-a-lo-desconocido\"><a href=\"#miedo-a-lo-desconocido\">Fear of the unknown<\/a><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#presion-academica\"><a href=\"#presion-academica\">Academic pressure<\/a><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#otras-causas\"><a href=\"#otras-causas\">Other causes<\/a><\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#senales-de-ansiedad-en-ninxs-y-adolescentes\"><a href=\"#senales-de-ansiedad-en-ninxs-y-adolescentes\">Signs of anxiety in children and adolescents<\/a><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#como-manejar-la-ansiedad-de-la-vuelta-al-cole\"><a href=\"#como-manejar-la-ansiedad-de-la-vuelta-al-cole\">Managing back-to-school anxiety<\/a><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#consejos-para-padres-ante-la-ansiedad-en-ninxs-y-adolescentes\"><a href=\"#consejos-para-padres-ante-la-ansiedad-en-ninxs-y-adolescentes\">Tips for parents to deal with anxiety in children and adolescents<\/a><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#cuando-acudir-a-un-profesional\"><a href=\"#cuando-acudir-a-un-profesional\">When to go to a professional?<\/a><\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"por-que-surge-la-ansiedad-de-la-vuelta-al-cole\">Why does back-to-school anxiety arise?<\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1334\" height=\"889\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/como-manejar-la-vuelta-al-cole-edited.webp\" alt=\"Back to school anxiety.&#010;Woman supporting worried girl. \" class=\"wp-image-5626 lazyload\" title=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/como-manejar-la-vuelta-al-cole-edited.webp 1334w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/como-manejar-la-vuelta-al-cole-edited-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/como-manejar-la-vuelta-al-cole-edited-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/como-manejar-la-vuelta-al-cole-edited-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/como-manejar-la-vuelta-al-cole-edited-610x407.webp 610w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/como-manejar-la-vuelta-al-cole-edited-1080x720.webp 1080w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1334px) 100vw, 1334px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1334px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1334\/889;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole--1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Woman and child studying together.\" class=\"wp-image-5611 lazyload\" title=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole--1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole--300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole--768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole--610x407.webp 610w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole--1080x720.webp 1080w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole-.webp 1499w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Back-to-school anxiety can be caused by a variety of reasons, and understanding them helps us address them effectively.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cambios-en-la-rutina\">Changes in routine<\/h3>\n\n<p>During the vacations, schedules and activities are more flexible, allowing children to enjoy a more relaxed pace.\nThe return to a structured routine, with fixed schedules and responsibilities, can be overwhelming for many. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"miedo-a-lo-desconocido\">Fear of the unknown<\/h3>\n\n<p>Uncertainty about new teachers, classmates, subjects or even a new school can create anxiety.\nChildren and adolescents, like adults, may feel insecure about change and what is out of their control. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"presion-academica\">Academic pressure<\/h3>\n\n<p>The expectation to meet academic demands and perform well can be a source of considerable stress.\nBeresin noted that it is critical to keep in mind and recognize that a lot is being demanded of children today. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"otras-causas\">Other causes<\/h3>\n\n<p>Anxiety can also be the result of previous negative experiences at school, such as lack of social adjustment or separation from close friends.\nThese experiences can lead to the return to school being perceived with fear and distress. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"senales-de-ansiedad-en-ninxs-y-adolescentes\">Signs of anxiety in children and adolescents<\/h2>\n\n<p>It is essential for adults to be attentive to signs of anxiety in their children, as these can vary according to the age and personality of each individual. <em>Beresin<\/em> points out that<strong> behavioral changes, <\/strong>such as <strong>sleep disturbances, mood swings, loss of energy or decreased motivation, are common warning signs.<\/strong> In addition, physical complaints such as <strong>headaches and stomach discomfort <\/strong>may also indicate anxiety.\nWe can summarize the most prominent symptoms as follows: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Physical symptoms<\/strong>: Stomach pain, headaches, sleeping problems, excessive tiredness or changes in appetite.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Behavioral changes<\/strong>: Irritability, social isolation, frequent crying, rejection attitudes toward school, or a decrease in motivation to do activities they used to enjoy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Constant worry<\/strong>: Expressing fear or concern about school, academic performance or relationships with peers and teachers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"como-manejar-la-ansiedad-de-la-vuelta-al-cole\">Managing back-to-school anxiety<\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ansiedad-vuelta-al-cole-consejos-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Signs of back-to-school anxiety.&#010;Class with children and teacher. \" class=\"wp-image-5617 lazyload\" title=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ansiedad-vuelta-al-cole-consejos-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ansiedad-vuelta-al-cole-consejos-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ansiedad-vuelta-al-cole-consejos-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ansiedad-vuelta-al-cole-consejos-610x407.webp 610w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ansiedad-vuelta-al-cole-consejos-1080x720.webp 1080w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ansiedad-vuelta-al-cole-consejos.webp 1500w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"667\" height=\"445\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole-contencion-y-apoyo-edited.webp\" alt=\"Back to school anxiety.&#010;Family hug. \" class=\"wp-image-5628 lazyload\" title=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole-contencion-y-apoyo-edited.webp 667w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole-contencion-y-apoyo-edited-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole-contencion-y-apoyo-edited-610x407.webp 610w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 667px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 667\/445;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>For young children<\/strong>: Create a supportive environment at home by talking openly about their worries and reassuring them that it is normal to feel nervous.\nEstablishing clear and predictable routines can help them feel more secure. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For adolescents<\/strong>: It is important to acknowledge and validate their emotions, showing empathy and offering guidance without pressuring.\nEncouraging them to talk about their concerns and seek solutions together can be helpful.\nEncouraging participation in extracurricular activities they enjoy can also relieve stress.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"consejos-para-padres-ante-la-ansiedad-en-ninxs-y-adolescentes\">Tips for parents to deal with anxiety in children and adolescents<\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole-rutina-para-manejar-la-ansiedad-1024x684.webp\" alt=\"Back to school anxiety.&#010;Man helping children brush their teeth. \" class=\"wp-image-5619 lazyload\" title=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole-rutina-para-manejar-la-ansiedad-1024x684.webp 1024w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole-rutina-para-manejar-la-ansiedad-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole-rutina-para-manejar-la-ansiedad-768x513.webp 768w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole-rutina-para-manejar-la-ansiedad-610x407.webp 610w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole-rutina-para-manejar-la-ansiedad-1080x721.webp 1080w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vuelta-al-cole-rutina-para-manejar-la-ansiedad.webp 1498w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/684;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"889\" height=\"593\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/celebra-exito-de-tus-hijos-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Back to school anxiety.&#010;Man and child celebrating together \" class=\"wp-image-5630 lazyload\" title=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/celebra-exito-de-tus-hijos-edited.jpg 889w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/celebra-exito-de-tus-hijos-edited-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/celebra-exito-de-tus-hijos-edited-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/celebra-exito-de-tus-hijos-edited-610x407.jpg 610w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 889px) 100vw, 889px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 889px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 889\/593;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Active listening<\/strong>: Allow your children to express their feelings without judgment.\nMake sure they know that their emotions are valid and that you are there to support and help them. <em>Beresin<\/em> stressed the importance of focusing on spending quality time and having honest conversations with children about their concerns. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prepare the ground<\/strong>: Visiting the school before school starts, meeting the teachers or reviewing the school schedule can reduce anxiety by familiarizing the child with what he or she will encounter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establish a relaxing routine<\/strong>: Start school routines a few days before school starts so the transition is smooth.\nThis includes regular sleep schedules and a designated study time. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Model calm<\/strong>: Children observe and learn from their parents&#8217; reactions.\nStay calm and show a positive attitude towards going back to school to convey confidence.\nTalk about it, answer their questions, tell them what it will be like.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Encourage healthy habits<\/strong>: Physical exercise, especially from an activity that your child enjoys, will provide a space for disconnection and allow him\/her to release endorphins.\nSimilarly, adequate rest is essential to manage anxiety. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-toddl-co-blog wp-block-embed-toddl-co-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> \nhttps:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/es\/consejos-para-la-vuelta-al-cole\n <\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cuando-acudir-a-un-profesional\">When to go to a professional?<\/h2>\n\n<p><strong>If your child&#8217;s anxiety persists<\/strong> and significantly affects his or her well-being or school performance, <strong>it is advisable to seek professional help.<\/strong>\nChild psychologists or school counselors can provide effective strategies for managing anxiety and offer the support needed to help your child feel more confident and prepared for a great school year. <\/p>\n\n<p>Back-to-school anxiety is a common but no less important experience.\nAs parents, our mission is to <strong>be attentive, offer support and guide our children<\/strong> in managing their emotions, helping them to face the challenges with confidence and serenity.\nWith understanding and the right tools, we can make this process an opportunity for enjoyment, growth and learning.  <\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Bibliography:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>Gene Beresin (2023): <a href=\"https:\/\/whdh.com\/news\/harvard-psychiatrist-sharing-warning-signs-of-anxiety-as-kids-prepare-for-back-to-school\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Harvard psychiatrist sharing warning signs of anxiety as kids prepare for Back to School.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<span class=\"et_bloom_bottom_trigger\"><\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Back to school is a time of year that can generate a mix of emotions in both children and adolescents. While some look forward to reuniting with friends and teachers, others may experience anxiety about the challenges the new school year brings, or experiencing the transition from vacation to school. Dr. Gene Beresin of Harvard [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":5624,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips-for-parents","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5962","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5962"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5962\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5963,"href":"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5962\/revisions\/5963"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5624"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.toddl.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}