As summer draws to a close, many children eagerly anticipate the start of a new school year, but for others, the transition can trigger significant anxiety. A recent survey found that 64% of children's worries are school-related, according to the source. Cognitive neuroscientist Robert Alexander, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling and wellness at New York Institute of Technology, explains that “our brains are prediction machines, and our nervous systems constantly try to anticipate what will happen next, so that we can respond appropriately and stay safe. The beginning of a new school year disrupts many of those predictions all at once—old routines are broken, expectations and environments change, children are presented with new classrooms, teachers, classmates, and other daily adjustments.”
While some nervousness during transitions is developmentally normal, for children already prone to anxiety, returning to school can be especially overwhelming. Alexander advises parents to recognize the signs, which may not always be obvious. “Children often express anxiety indirectly,” he says, noting that common signs include changes in sleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating, appetite changes, clinginess, or social withdrawal. He emphasizes that “the best way to reduce anxiety is to prepare.” Preparation helps make things more predictable and allows children to adapt to changes. He suggests visiting the school, discussing routines, and gradually re-establishing bedtimes before classes begin. “Sleep, in particular, plays a major role in emotional regulation and stress resilience,” he adds.
Parents also play a crucial role in setting the emotional tone of the household. “Children often look to adults for cues on how they should respond to a situation. Responding with calm confidence can send a powerful message of safety,” Alexander explains. Additionally, children can practice simple calming techniques, such as slow and controlled breathing, to address overwhelming feelings in the moment. Alexander recommends a simple pattern of inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for six.
However, Alexander cautions against fully eliminating a child's anxiety, as a healthy amount can encourage resiliency. “Confidence grows through small wins. Knowing that you can handle a situation can help you deal with future situations more effectively,” he says. “When children successfully introduce themselves to a new friend, find their new classroom, or survive their first week at a new school, they learn that they are capable in those environments. But children who are prone to anxiety may need some extra help moving through those feelings successfully.”
Alexander is one of many New York Tech faculty members lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. For more information, visit nyit.edu.
