For many young children, the beginning of the school year can bring such excitement and anticipation. However, not all of them have the same experiences. Some children need extra time or interventions to be put into place. This can help facilitate a smoother adjustment period from home to life at school.
It is normal for some children to experience anxiety during the first weeks of school. They can complain of stomach aches, fears, and give many reasons why they cannot attend school. However, when a child shows these signs consistently past the initial few weeks, it may be time for the parent to intervene.
The first thing a parent can do is have a conversation with the child discussing his or her worries or fears. Validate their feelings and try to negotiate with the child what changes could be made. If this is unsuccessful, a parent can bring their concerns to their teacher and/or school counselor. Together, as a team, they can create a plan to help the child transition into the class...