How to talk to your child about school anxiety
Is your child having a hard time being back in the classroom? Dr. Hina Talib shares tips on how to help them cope.
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"How to talk to your child about school anxiety" video
Hey, parents! Managing the rapidly changing school situation has been so stressful for our children and teenagers, but also for ourselves.
Here are some tips to help guide you if anxiety or feeling overwhelmed about school has been a topic in your home:
Tip number one
Check in with your teen about how school is. For some they may want to talk, but many when they come home from school, may need you to show up with just a smile, a glass of water, and a reminder that you are there if needed. Please let them know that you were thinking of them.
Tip number two
Stay connected to your child's schools and teachers. Help your teens ask them for help directly if they're struggling. Always remind your kids of their strengths that they bring to school and to schoolwork.
And my last tip, take care of yourself.
If you're having a hard time processing the rapidly changing news and your stress, manage it away from your child at first. Then, in front of your child or teen, model your mental health by saying things like: “I'm going to take a walk to shake off this stress,” or “I'm going to turn my phone off to rest my mind,” or “I'm going to go have a glass of water to hydrate my body. Would you like to join me?”
Remember, the only way to know how your child is doing is to make space for sharing feelings and to actively listen. You are doing great. You're probably doing better than you think you are.
Dr. Hina Talib (@teenhealthdoc) is a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist, writer, teen media creative and mother of two.
