Back-To-School Anxiety: 5 Tips From A Black Psychologist

The kids are heading back to school ! A new school year can bring anticipation, excitement and even joy . But this time of year may also cause nervousness, uncertainty and anxiety. From wondering “ Will I make new friends ?” navigating new classmates, new teachers and academic pressures , young people can enter the school year carrying challenges they might not know how to express. Parents and caregivers are often left feeling anxious during this time of year as well. Dr. Patricia Dixon , a licensed clinical psychologist , professor and speaker who has worked in mental health field since 2003 believes one of the most important things parents can do is create space for their children to actually talk about these types of fears. As she puts it, “The best thing you can do for your child about their anxiety may also be the easiest: Ask them what insecurities they’re dealing with about the new school year.” PARENTS, TRUST THE SEEDS YOU HAVE PLANTED. Parents worry about their child’s ability to be successful academically and socially: not only whether they’ll make friends, but whether those friends will be a positive influence in their child’s life. All that anxiety is attached to the uncertainty of what comes next. I remind parents about when they were teaching their child to walk. There was anxiety about them falling, but there was also a need to release them to try, and to cheer them on with every step. When we keep that same mindset throughout our children’s lives, we can feel …