Whether it be going to school for the first time, or going to a new school, it may cause some anxiety in children at this time of year.

"One of the things we would like to encourage, for students heading back to school. Whether it be their very first day of kindergarten, or starting a new class, because every year is new," said Child and adolescent community mental health worker Christine Longford.

"The first thing that would be recommended would be familiar with the school environment. Make sure the child knows what the school looks like, what door they are going to go in. Just make sure they have some familiarity with the actual facility. The next thing we might encourage is that the student be supported by either their parents, baby sitter, or grandparent, or somebody who knows the child. Somebody who can give them a little bit more time and attention, making sure they get there, making sure they get picked up afterwards, and walk through their day with them."

Longford noted it generally isn't too stressful of a time for parents.

 

 

Maybe you've taken all of the previous steps, and your little one is still a little nervous and isn't completely ready to go to school for another year, Longford noted some kids may have signs of anxiety.

"In that case we would want to have a little bit more involvement on the part of the teacher, and make some small accommodations to be able to get to school and maybe they have a special friend or buddy for those first few days," explained Longford.

"Generally we see most kids turn around quite quickly once they are making friends with their peers, and are enjoying school. If it continues to be a huge problem, that's where we might have more of a formal involvement with even my own program or other supports."

Longford stated the Kids Help Phone website has a great insight into how to reduce or eliminate anxiety.