text: The shift from the familiar and relaxed pace of summer break to the structured setting of school can create uncertainty and anxiety for many children. They may be concerned about meeting new teachers and classmates, adjusting to new schedules, or facing academic or social challenges. “Back-to-school anxiety is normal, but anxiety can heighten quickly if not addressed properly,” explains Erica Seybert, Director of School Programs at K12-powered online schools. “Preparation is key to give your child the knowledge and coping skills they need to handle anxious thoughts and feelings.”
  As you prepare for the daily school routine, here are five tips to support your child and ease back-to-school anxiety, whether they’re attending school in-person or online:
  Discuss their fears.
  Start by encouraging your child to express what they’re excited about and what worries them regarding their new school year. It’s important to listen empathetically and acknowledge their feelings, rather than dismissing their concerns. Talk about strategies for handling potential problems such as dealing with bullies or peer pressure.
  Erica from K12 shares, “Boosting your child’s confidence by familiarizing them with new aspects of their school can be very helpful.” If possible, take your child to their school, walk through the halls, see their new classroom, and meet their teacher. If your child attends online school, they can tour the online classroom environment before the first day. K12 students can also meet their classmates by logging into the K12 Zone—an interactive campus chock-full of fun activities perfect for making new friends.
  Set reasonable expectations.
  While good grades are important, high expectations can lead to excessive stress. Instead of focusing on grades, emphasize the importance of learning and set short-term, achievable goals, like completing homework on time to start the school year on a positive note.
  Promote a healthy lifestyle.
  Encourage healthy habits that can help fight stress such as good sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise. Sleep deprivation will only make the anxiety seem worse, so it’s important to establish a consistent sleep schedule before the first day of school. Ensure your child has a nutritious breakfast each morning and encourage them to stay active and exercise regularly, preferably outdoors. These habits can provide a strong foundation for beginning the school year with a healthy lifestyle.
  Encourage positive thinking.
  Help your child focus on the positive aspects of returning to school to prevent negative thoughts from taking over their mindset. You can also teach them to redirect their thoughts if they start to become overwhelmed by their back-to-school anxiety. Remind them of their strengths and of the times they’ve overcome obstacles in the past. Positive thinking can work wonders!
  It’s important for parents and teachers to be understanding and supportive of children experiencing back-to-school anxiety. Open communication, providing reassurance, and helping children develop coping strategies can go a long way in easing their anxiety and helping them transition more smoothly into the new school year.
  To learn more about K12-powered online schools, go to K12.com.