Back to School Blues

Back-to-school is an exciting time of the year for students. New grade level, new teachers, new friends, but with all that excitement comes a lot of anxiety, especially for the big first day.

Zoee Johnson, a rising 3rd grader, expressed her concerns about starting school saying, "I'm nervous about, like, my teacher. And like, how much the work is going to be harder since I'm in a higher level."

Zoee's mom, Tamika Scruggs, shared that Zoee has been asking frequent anxious questions as she prepares for third grade.

"Unfortunately, the principal shared with us that shortage of teachers, so her teacher left, I guess. So, we're waiting to find out who our teacher's going to be," Scruggs said.

Dr. Beth Trammell, a professor of psychology at IU East, explained that back-to-school anxiety is common and rooted in fear. She advised parents to have open and honest conversations with their children about their concerns instead of telling them not to worry.

"I think the thing to remember is that anxiety is usually rooted in fear. And you may be tempted to tell your kid, 'Oh, there's nothing to worry about. You don't have to be afraid.' But actually, they're already a little bit nervous, or they're a little afraid, or they're a little anxious. And so instead of telling them not to worry, instead, as parents, we can say, 'Hey, tell me what it is that your mind tells you might happen. What is it that you're a little bit nervous about? It's OK to be nervous.' Let's talk about what it is instead of, don't feel nervous," Dr. Trammell said.

Scruggs has already tried this approach with Zoee last school year and noticed a positive impact.

"On the first day, her dad and I attended school with her, and she's how she was really scared one time and almost ready to cry, but it gave her a sense of joy, and you know, walking to school with both her parents. I just kind of I'm honest with her, you know, about my experiences," Scruggs said.

Dr. Trammell also emphasized the importance of staying calm as a parent and not letting your child's anxiety drive your own behavior.

"Sometimes, like what helps me calm down is taking deep breaths or thinking about how much fun I'm going to have," Johnson said.