The school season has started for many and the stress and anxiety about the school year starts early. There are the pressures of school demands, expectations of the year to come, the demands of social connections, not to mention school sports, expenses, extracurricular activities, starting a new school, and the physical and emotional changes that are likely occurring for a student.
Some amount of stress is good, it can keep a person motivated, organized, and keep the brain functioning. However too much stress can interfere with development because a person can become immobilized when they feel overwhelmed.
Tips on preventing stress include spending time with your school aged children, providing a stable home environment in terms of rules at home, eating habits, routines, avoid over scheduling, schedule family time, and trying to understand behavior communicating with your student. Routines help alleviate stress as well as teach kids to learn to develop routines for themselves. Family meetings can be helpful by providing a way to regroup and talk about what is going on, as well as what isn’t working too well and reviewing schedules and expectations together.
Signs of stress can include:
- Fears and nightmares
- Negativism and lying
- Withdrawal, regressive behaviors, or excessive shyness
Quick tips on managing anxiety and stress
- Take a time out; schedule quiet time
- Eating well-balanced meals & decrease sugar
- Avoid excessive caffeine intake, illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco
- Get enough sleep
- Accept you cannot control everything
- Welcome humor
- A positive attitude
- Talk to your supports
- Exercise
- Respect personal space
I hope the school year has started smoothly for you, let me know if you would like me to meet with your student if they are struggling in school so we can get them back on track.
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