Overcoming Common Back to School Fears & Challenges!

Heading back to school or for those students just starting out their first year of school can create at time of fear and worries as they face some of the challenges of returning to school. Cigna has great resources to help prepare your family and overcome fears with your children that may come up in the early few weeks of school. Here is a sample from just one of their helpful articles available.

Taming the Back to School Transition

Common Fears and Challenges of Going Back to School

Photo courtesy of Cigna

• Change (such as going to a different school) – Remind your child that for everything they’re feeling, there is someone else feeling the same way. Sharing your own experiences can help calm nerves by making your child aware that you understand their concerns.

• Previous bad experiences (such as bullying or academic struggles) – Problem solve with your child to come up with ways to manage difficult situations, and offer them suggestions if they need help. Get professional help if needed.

• Schedule changes (such as juggling additional activities) – Help your child to develop a new school-year routine or schedule, and start moving to the new routine a few weeks before school starts.

• Unknowns (such as not knowing who their teacher is and where their classroom is) – Prepare your child by helping them find out what they can expect. Plan ahead, talk about their concerns, and visit the school with them.

• Social difficulties (not fitting in or not having many friends) – Encourage your child to get involved in school clubs or activities. It’s easier for kids to make friends if they have something in common to focus on. They will make new friends, gain confidence, and find something they can enjoy about school.

You can continue reading this and and other great Back to School articles available through Cigna’s website. With my oldest starting his first year of school this year, I know several of these tips have helped my son to feel more confident and ready for school. My son was very worried and nervous about going to school up until we attended the Meet the Teacher night the week before school began. Instead of rushing through the meeting I let my son lead the timing and we spent quite a bit of time just hanging out in the classroom becoming familiar with the room. When he was ready to go he told me he was no longer worried about starting school as he knew where his desk was and got to meet his teacher. I really appreciate the tips included in the “Taming the Back to School Transition” article by Cigna as I am sure we will encounter other of the concerns and fears through our school days with our kids and the solutions offered really are great advice to help overcome common struggles.

Learn to recognize signs of bullying, safety tips for school aged children, and more by visiting Cigna’s Back to School Resources page!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I will be compensated for my time and efforts on this post. The article and tips above are provided by Cigna.