A return to the classroom in the time of the pandemic is proving even more stressful than usual for many kids and their families. (File photo/The Canadian Press)

By Rob Mahon

School Anxiety

Back-to-school season bringing extra anxiety in 2021

Aug 25, 2021 | 10:18 AM

The return to the classroom can be stressful for kids and parents even at the best of times, and the last year and a half has added more stresses to the mix due to the pandemic.

With a new school year just over a week away, a mixture of excitement and nervousness has set in among many students. Local counsellors have seen firsthand that kids and families are more anxious this year than normal.

“It’s kind of two-fold,” said Kimberly Rock, a provisionally registered psychologist. “On the one hand, you’re going to have kids that are pretty excited about getting to go back to what is more typical or normal for them in some respects, excited to see their friends again, excited to have a routine again. But it’s still probably going to be somewhat different.”

Between a whole host of new rules to follow and the memory of the most recent school year having been so full of uncertainty, it’s no surprise kids are feeling a little stressed about their return to the classroom.

According to Rock, knowing the signs your child is stressed is important, because not every child will come right out and say it.

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“Is it that they have the kind of kiddo who, the stress response is more headaches and tummy aches and things like that,” she said, “or is it the kiddo who, they’re playing with their blocks or something and all of a sudden they’re having a really big meltdown over something small?”

If you suspect your kid is feeling more stressed and anxious than usual, there are some steps you can take to lessen it. The most important thing, according to Rock, is that you be able to talk to them about it.

“It’s really important that parents are having ongoing communication and open dialogue with their kids,” Rock said, “letting them know about what to expect if the schools have released different protocols and stuff so that kids are aware, making sure kids can ask questions and express any fears and anxieties they notice they are having.”

Rock suggested taking kids out for a bike ride or doing something active with them as it might make them more willing to open up.

She also said parents should take care of themselves too because they’re the biggest role models for their kids. If a child sees their parent is stressed out or overwhelmed, they will likely pick up on it.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP