FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Many students across North Dakota and Minnesota are heading back to school this week and this can bring anxiety for some students.
Common worries include bullying, academic challenges, and making friends.
Nalina Mahraj-Pearson, an Integrated Health Counselor for Sanford says that kids may express symptoms of anxiety differently especially younger children.
“They’ll just say I don’t feel good, you might notice stomach aches, difficulty falling asleep at night or waking up,” said Mahraj-Pearson.
Older kids tend to be more direct when expressing their concerns about returning to school.
“Older kids are usually a little bit better to articulate what they are thinking and feeling so they might tell their parents or caregivers I don’t want to go to school, I don’t feel good, I’m nervous.”
Some ways parents can help ease anxiety for their children include being an active listener, addressing problems directly, and establishing routines. The routines can include a healthy sleep schedule, meal times, and homework time.
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