Anxiety symptoms in children during the school adaptation process and what families should pay attention to
Experts stated that anxieties during the start of school are normal but can manifest with certain physical and behavioral symptoms, offering advice to families.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Elif Burcu Bağçeli drew attention to the anxieties children may experience during the school adaptation process, issued important warnings to families, and explained the approaches that should be exhibited during this period.
Anxieties Experienced During School Adaptation
Starting school is a significant life change for children, and adapting to new environments can bring along various emotional responses.
Symptoms of School Anxiety
Experts state that school anxiety can manifest in different ways such as refusing to go to school, stomachache, nausea, sleeping difficulty, and withdrawal.
Phrases Families Should Avoid
Telling a child "what is there to be afraid of?" can make them feel that their emotions are not understood; instead, clear sentences should be formed and anxious attitudes should be avoided.
Calm and Consistent Behaviors
It is of great importance for families to exhibit a calm, patient, and consistent attitude throughout the process to help children adapt to school.
Preliminary Preparation and Routines
Transitioning to sleep routines before school starts, visiting the school in advance, and meeting the teacher reduce the feeling of uncertainty.
When Expert Support Is Needed
Short-term crying in the first days does not mean a disorder by itself; if the severity and duration of the symptoms increase, expert support should be sought.