Academic success is more than just acing Math concepts or improved Reading comprehension skills, and such. It’s crucial to recognize that overall well-being also plays a significant role in your child’s academic development. The well-being of your child should never be overlooked. With COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, everything is returning to normal, including kids returning to school. This may be exciting news for some children but back-to-school may also induce anxiety for others. Some kids may be thrilled to socialize and see their friends again, while others may be terrified at the thought of being away from their parents. Many thoughts race through their minds, causing anxiety – new teachers, new classmates, and being away from home.
It’s important to acknowledge that back-to-school anxiety is normal but shouldn’t be seen as baseless or brushed off. There are several effective ways to address your child’s back-to-school anxiety, which can significantly contribute to their academic development. This blog will delve deeper into these solutions to help your child achieve academic success. Read on to learn more!
Have an open discussion
As a parent, you understand your child best. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings openly. Allowing them to voice their fears and anxiety freely is an excellent starting point to help them acknowledge their emotions. Letting them release everything to you helps minimize anxiety-provoking thoughts and feelings. Help them understand that what they feel is normal and can be resolved with time. Let them know you’re there for them every step of the way.
Plan social activities
Encourage your child to socialize with their friends or other kids. Consider organizing a play day with their friends to help your child practice social skills and alleviate fears about going back to school. Such social activities can assist your child in learning how to communicate, connect, and empathize with others, fostering interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and self-expression. These developments will help them build confidence in social situations, eliminating worries about meeting new people at school.
Create a positive atmosphere at home
Establish a calm and supportive environment at home. Speak positively about school and emphasize how it benefits their personal development. It’s crucial for your child to know that home is a safe space where they can always find support. By creating a positive perception of school while maintaining a supportive home environment, you can significantly motivate your child to attend school.
Back-to-school shopping
Back-to-school shopping is more than just a trip to the store. It’s an opportunity for your child to regain a sense of normality. Every child gets excited when they buy something new; the same applies to school supplies. Take them shopping for school supplies and involve them in preparing for the upcoming school year. This will help them become more enthusiastic about returning to school.
Consider after school programs
Enrolling your child to an after school program like Kumon can help aid their anxiety on so many levels. This includes, first, having a structured routine, which provides a sense of predictability and stability to them. Knowing what to expect and having a structured schedule can help children feel more secure and in control.
Second, after school programs often focus on developing specific skills and interests. As children engage in activities they enjoy and excel in, they gain a sense of accomplishment and boost their self-confidence, which can help counter anxiety symptoms.
Lastly, after school programs provide opportunities for social interaction, allowing children to connect with peers who share similar interests. Developing social skills, building friendships, and engaging in positive social experiences can help alleviate social anxiety and promote a sense of belonging.
In addition to the uncertainties of the school year and social interaction anxiety, certain academic subjects like Math and Reading can evoke negative emotions in students. These subjects are often perceived as challenging, causing some students to struggle to keep up. By enrolling your child in our Kumon Math and/or Kumon Reading programs, we can provide them with the necessary support to keep up or even advance in these subjects.
Back-to-school season can cause anxiety and other negative thoughts and emotions to your child. Help them defeat these with Kumon, an after school program provider that not only helps your kids with subjects Math and Reading, but also helps improve their overall development. Enroll your kids in Kumon today!
