MUM... DO
I HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL?
September
is the start of the new school year. A
time of great excitement for many children, new clothes, new shoes, new pencils,
new books, a new classroom, a new teacher and for some a new school. All in all, a brand new start. However, for some children this new start
causes them to worry. This feeling of
anxiety is generally normal and with encouragement and sensitivity most
children will overcome their worries in time.
But what if you have concerns that your child has not overcome their new
school year anxieties and has not settled?
When is it time for you to discuss your concerns with your child's class
teacher?
The
following brief points are general indicators of anxiety.
Excessive worry and anxiety
An inability to control fear and
worry
Silence or reluctance to talking
Development or reappearance of
nervous habits - thumb sucking, bed wetting
Fatigue
Poor concentration
Poor behaviour at home and/or
school
Irritability and tantrums
Sleep disruption
Restlessness
Muscle Tension
Feeling unwell - headaches,
nausea, aches.
If you do
have concerns about your child, ask yourself "Are my child's fears
stopping him from doing things he wants to be able to do? Are they messing up friendships, school and
family life? " If the answer to either question is "Yes. A great deal! " Then it is time for you to seek support from
your child's school. (You may also want to seek advice from your doctor). Arrange an appointment to discuss your
concerns with your child's class teacher.
Seek their help to support your child to build confidence through strategies
such as a worry box in which your child writes their worries down and places it
in the box (so that the worry is no longer in their heads) or a chart that
records and praises your child when they have faced and overcome their fears.
It might help to create a consistent routine for your child to follow to help
them feel secure. Together the class
teacher and you can support your child to believe the words of Winnie-the-Pooh
"You're braver than you believe, stronger
than you seem and smarter than you think."
