New School Year
A new school year starting can come with a lot of changes!
Many children feel anxious about changes in friendship dynamics, new teachers, new classrooms, and new academic expectations as they progress through school. Your child is likely experiencing a wide range of emotions associated with school. Some of those emotions may include excitement, happiness, jealousy, anxiety/nervousness, fear, embarrassment, or sadness/grief. Most kids need some time to adjust to new situations and their new schedules, and are able to adapt on their own. However, sometimes kids and teens need a little help getting through this time of life, whether they are starting at a new school or have been at the same school for years. Children, and even teenagers, don’t often process emotions the same way adults do, so it can be difficult to know what they are feeling inside. These intense emotions can be very overwhelming for children and their parents!
Here are a few signs your child may be struggling:
Increased irritability
Frustration
Intense outbursts and more frequent temper tantrums
Having more difficulty than normal staying focused or concentrating
Falling behind in school
Acting out
Prolonged low mood/sadness/numbness
Withdrawing from friends
More anxiety/fearfulness than usual
Frequent headaches/stomachaches
Trying to avoid going to school or other social settings
Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
Self-harm
Changes in appetite or eating habits
5-10 Years Old:
During this stage of life, your child may not be able to express what they are feeling to you using words! Your child may not even be sure what they are feeling, let alone how to handle it. Anxiety is often reflected by irritability, outbursts, defiance, and other behavioral concerns. If something seems out of the ordinary, it probably is! It could be a sign that your child is struggling with something and needs some help. Gentle, consistent, and child-led one-on-one time is often very successful in regulating children’s emotions. Play therapy is also a great option to help your child work through their internal problems.
11-18 Years Old
This can be a very difficult time for your child! Some things to be aware of at this age are changes in eating and increased focus on body image, self-harm, risky behaviors, prolonged anxiety, and prolonged periods of sadness or numbness. Many teenagers feel isolated and lonely. Therapy can be a great way for teens to feel supported, have a space that is just for them, and learn important coping skills.
If you aren’t sure whether your child might be struggling, or what to do if they are, please reach out! You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
385-237-4943
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