Back to School Anxiety is for All Ages When it Comes to Learning Differences

Back to School Anxiety -- It's real and it can be a big issue if you have a learning difference!

There are many articles on back to school anxiety when it comes to younger children, and the need is definitely there, but we need to focus on all ages when it comes to fear and returning to school.  

Teens might have a few more strategies to pull out to help them move through their day, or they might just be really good at camouflaging the issues they are dealing with it comes to their learning.  

So what can you do to support your older child when it comes to anxiety: 

1. Be open and available to talk. 

Sometimes teens need some space and time to open up about what's bothering them.  Other times it very clear they need your support.  Either way, you have to be ready for that time when they want to talk and offer some space for the discussion. 

2. Listen to their concerns. 

When the doors open to discuss their concerns, try to listen first.  It is hard as a parent not to jump right in a fix things (I know) but let them talk and then after you can work together to find solutions for the stress or fear they are dealing with. 

3. Just be there. 

It seems simple, but I believe it's the most powerful job we have as a parent.  Being present. Being available.  Your child knows when they get home they are in a safe place.  They can relax and step away from the anxiety they may have faced in their day.  When they are at school and dealing with the social and learning demands they will need some downtime and a sense of security.  You are there for them -- even if it's them sitting nearby as you are doing your thing! 

4. Tap into your wisdom and learn what you can. 

You have experience with stress and fear. You have experiences that you can relate to. So take this experience to help you validate their feelings by recalling what it was like for you to feel that way even if it wasn't in the same situation.  Also, learn what you can about strategies to help them and what your child may need to learn to empower them with their way of learning at school --  instead of fearing what is coming their way when it comes to learning.  (you can get this support and knowledge through our Parent Membership Community) 

5. Help them communicate with their teachers

If the anxiety is coming mostly from learning, help them identify what they need and how this will be communicated with their teacher.  This can be done directly through them but if they are anxious they may ask you to step in an help them communicate what they are needed or just to touch base with their teacher. 

You've got this and so does your child!