MADISON, Wis. – Starting a new school year can be stressful for kids but planning and communicating can help reduce anxiety, according to a UW Health Kids expert.
First day of school nerves are common and it helps children to check in with teachers, see the school and go over routines in advance to mentally prepare for the start of the school year, according to Dr. Megan Yanny, pediatrician, UW Health Kids.
“A few weeks before school starts, we recommend families do a practice run,” said Yanny, who is also an assistant professor of pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. “Go to the school, check out the playground, figure out what door they will use to enter the school, that kind of thing.”
Forming good mental health habits in elementary, middle and high school sets kids up for success as adults, not only meeting developmental milestones, but it also correlates with doing well in school, getting a job and having healthy relationships, she said.
“Kids thrive on routines and knowing what to expect. Consistent sleep and food practices are key for physical and mental health,” Yanny said. “Going to bed and getting up at the same time, staying hydrated and having regular breakfasts with protein and carbohydrates, and healthy snacks during the day, are ways to help set a strong foundation for overall wellbeing.”
For parents, it is important to model good behavior when reacting to stress, she said.
“Kids absorb everything, and they notice how you respond to stress or frustration, so modeling good behavior and coping skills will help set the right example for your kids,” Yanny said.
It is also important to let kids know they are not alone, she said.
“Making it clear that other kids and grown-ups have big emotions and stress can help kids talk about the worry or stress they might be feeling,” Yanny said.
If parents notice any of the following changes in their child, they should speak to their child’s pediatrician, according to Yanny.
- Sudden physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches.
- Withdrawing from friend groups.
- A drop in grades or school performance.
- Not wanting to go to school.
- Unusual behavior at home.
“Trust your gut and speak up if you have concerns about your child’s mental and physical health,” Yanny said. “Your child’s pediatrician and teacher are on your team. They are here for you and want everyone to have a great school year.”
A child’s pediatrician can screen for anxiety, depression or learning disabilities and discuss how the child is getting along with friends and teachers at school, as well as look at the child’s sleep schedule and routine to help figure out how these factors could be affecting a child, she said.
“A kid’s job is to play with friends, go to school, do their sports and activities they love, and good mental health is important for all these things,” Yanny said.
A recorded interview with Yanny is available. She is also available for interviews.
