Ways to reduce anxiety in children with the reopening of schools
Six fundamental rules have been announced to ease the adaptation process for children and alleviate separation anxiety during the new educational term starting after the holiday.
As an important transition period begins for children with the reopening of schools following a long holiday period, experts have offered six critical recommendations to guide families in easing the adaptation process and separation anxiety.
Create Reassuring Farewell Rituals
Saying goodbye at the school gate every day with the same short sentence can turn into a powerful reassurance ritual for the child. Rather than long farewells, a brief hug and a decisive attitude are effective methods in reducing the child's anxiety.
Accept the Child's Feelings As They Are
Instead of giving long explanations to a child who says 'I don't want to go', an approach that directly accepts their emotion and provides reassurance should be adopted. Understanding the anxiety the child feels and validating them accelerates the adaptation process.
Safe Environment First, Then Adaptation
Helping the child feel safe in the new educational environment is always more important than immediately meeting expectations from school. Once the sense of security is established, academic and social adaptation will follow naturally.
Approach the Child's Development Holistically
When evaluating school performance and success, the focus should not solely be on academic results; the entire developmental process of the child must be taken into account. It is recommended to utilize professional psychological assessments when necessary.
Support Attention and Focus Skills
Basic skills such as focusing, planning, and impulse control can be developed through appropriate studies. At this stage, focusing on the question of what the child truly needs is of great importance.
Strictly Avoid Peer Comparisons
Comparing children with their peers can cause them to feel inadequate. Every child should be evaluated within their own unique developmental trajectory, and the effort they show must definitely be appreciated.