Overcoming fears about starting school in children

After two very uncertain years with on-and-off lockdowns, it is understandable that children may feel anxious about returning to the normal school routine with face-to-face classes and leaving the safety of home.

So many children are already worried. Parents are therefore often faced with the heartbreaking sight of their child crying and begging not to go to school because they are afraid.

School-start anxiety can stem from several causes. Children may have concerns about their well-being, making friends, bullying and academic performance, or simply be overwhelmed by crowds and too many social stimuli.

Signs of school-start anxiety

Some signs are quickly noticeable, while others are not. Keep an eye out for these things at the start of school:

• Separation anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances / sleep problems
• Panic attacks
• Upset stomach
• Fluctuations in appetite / loss of appetite
• Poorer academic performance
• Social withdrawal / spending time alone
• Mood swings

Tips for settling into the school routine

Here is how you can support your new student with understanding:

🖊️ Make sure that the start of school is relaxed and that the daily routine is well structured. Avoid unnecessary hecticness in the family and make sure your child has enough time for themselves after school.

🖊️ New students need a lot of time and attention in the beginning. Give your child the necessary security and enjoy the moments together.

🖊️ The transition from kindergarten to school takes a lot out of your child. Stay patient and ask how they are feeling. This way, you will be more likely to find out if something is not quite right and where they are having difficulties.

🖊️ Even if your child does most of their homework at school, they need a quiet, well-equipped workspace at home.

🖊 Stay in touch. Offer your child a way to reach you even during school hours if necessary. The Anio 5 Kids Smartwatch is ideal for this. It allows you to call and chat with your child, while the smartwatch becomes a simple watch at school thanks to the quiet mode, and missed calls and messages are only displayed after school ends. You can find out more here.

🖊️ Show understanding that school is not always fun and that learning is sometimes difficult. It might help if you tell them how it was for you during your own school days.

🖊 Create a morning routine. A predictable start to the day helps your child start the day feeling calm and positive.

So, have we piqued your interest? Then head straight over to our shop here, so that you too can get your child digitally ready for school in an age-appropriate way and without sensory overload!

Or do you still have questions? Then just stop by here.

Your Anio Team!