The end of summer can bring lots of mixed feelings for both children and adults. As we shift from one season to another, it’s normal to feel like something is ending. Soon the weather will get colder, and school will start again. In normal years, there’s already a lot of anxiety at this time of year. Now, throw in a global pandemic and uncertainty about what the upcoming school year is going to look like.
The uncertainty right now can cause increased anxiety. For parents, you are likely struggling to make sure you are making the right choice for your child – distance learning, hybrid, in-person, or homeschooling. This may mean a new school for your child. For children, there can be anxiety over going to a new school, not being able to see their friends, wondering if they’ll make new friends, and what the new class structure will look like.
Luckily, there are some easy ways to help navigate this season. While you are scheduling wellness checks, purchasing school supplies, and prepping for the new school year, it’s also good to do a mental health check-up.
Meeting with a therapist can help kids gain the tools they need to manage anxiety on their own in a healthy way. These tools will be beneficial for children now and as they grow up and become adults.
Starting therapy as a child helps children navigate the often stressful and challenging changes that occur during adolescence. In addition to anxiety over the upcoming school year, there might be stress over what would happen if a loved one got sick or if a parent loses a job. Children are very intuitive and can sometimes sense more than parents would like them to.
In addition to the uncertainty of the new school year is also the worry that kids are not getting the educational support they need. For most parents, distance learning in the spring was difficult. Some kids struggled with challenging work without face-to-face teacher assistance. In contrast, other kids felt the work wasn’t challenging enough.
No matter what your school looks like this fall, working with a tutor can give your child individualized plans and the one-to-one time they need to help them succeed. Tutoring can help ease some anxiety kids feel about falling behind or not getting the material as fast as the other children in their class. At Doctors Park, we realize that all children have unique ways they learn, and we can help them tap into their natural talents.
This year has been like no other. For most of us, we’ve never seen anything like this in our lifetime. Now is a perfect time to get some additional support to help both kids and adults navigate everything. If you’re interested in learning more about how Doctors Park Mental Health Center can help you and your children, schedule a free consultation today. And, be sure to check out more easy tips on how to help navigate back-to-school anxiety.