Helping Your Child Manage Separation Anxiety When Returning to School

Returning to school can be a stressful time for children and teens, especially those who experience separation anxiety, emetophobia, social anxiety and other anxiety disorders. This transition can create a significant emotional burden for both parents and their children. However, with the right strategies and support, parents can help their child manage separation anxiety and make the return to school a smoother process.

Emetophobia, Separation Anxiety, Social Anxiety – How Do They Impact School Attendance and Refusal?

Emetophobia, separation anxiety, and social anxiety are all anxiety disorders that can significantly impact a child’s school attendance and refusal to attend school. These disorders are characterized by excessive fear and worry about specific situations or objects.

Emetophobia, also known as the fear of vomiting, can cause a child to avoid school due to worries about getting sick or being around others who may be sick. Separation anxiety is characterized by intense distress when separated from primary caregivers, which can make it difficult for a child to leave for school in the morning. Social anxiety involves an extreme fear of social situations and interactions, making it challenging for children to attend school where they must interact with peers and teachers.

These disorders can lead to significant school avoidance and refusal, causing a child to miss out on valuable learning opportunities and social interactions. It is essential for parents and caregivers to understand the impact of these disorders on their child’s school attendance and take steps to address them.

10 Tips for Helping Your Child Manage Anxiety When Returning to School

1. Start preparing early & Establish a routine: Begin talking about the return to school a few weeks before it starts. This will give your child time to process any worries or fears they may have. Having a predictable morning routine can help ease anxiety for children. This includes waking up at the same time, eating breakfast together, and getting ready in a similar way each day.
2. Validate their feelings: It is important to acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings of anxiety about returning to school. Let them know that it is normal to feel worried, and that you are there to support them.
3. Practice separation: If possible, start with short periods of separation and gradually increase the time apart. This will help your child become more comfortable being away from you.
4. Encourage rational thinking: Help your child reframe their thoughts about school by focusing on the positive aspects, such as seeing friends or learning new things.
5. Seek professional help: If your child’s anxiety is severe and impacting their ability to attend school, consider seeking evidence-based therapy from a specialized provider. They can provide additional strategies and support for managing anxiety.
6. Communicate with the school: It is important to communicate with your child’s teacher and school about their separation anxiety. They can work with you to create a plan for supporting your child in the classroom.
7. Be patient and understanding: Remember that adjusting to school after an extended break can be challenging for children, especially those with separation anxiety. Be patient and understanding, and provide extra support as needed.
8. Praise small victories: Celebrate even small steps of progress with your child, such as successfully attending a full day of school or trying a new activity at school. This will boost their confidence and encourage them to continue facing their fears.
9. Reward bravery: Use positive reinforcement to reward your child’s bravery in facing their fears and attending school despite their anxiety. This will encourage them to continue pushing through their discomfort.
10. Be consistent: Consistency is key in helping your child overcome separation anxiety. Stick to a routine and provide reassurance that they will be safe and cared for while at school.

CBT Therapy and Counseling for Anxious Kids Returning To School

As summer comes to an end and the new school year approaches, many children feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. However, for some kids with separation anxiety, the thought of returning to school after an extended break can bring overwhelming fear and distress.

Separation anxiety is a normal part of development in young children, typically emerging around 6-7 months of age and peaking between ages 18 months to 3 years. It is characterized by feelings of intense distress when separated from parents or caregivers, which may result in clinginess, crying, tantrums, and physical symptoms such as stomachaches or headaches. In most cases, separation anxiety decreases as children grow older and develop a sense of independence.

However, for some children, this fear and anxiety can persist into their school years, making it difficult for them to attend school, participate in activities, and establish healthy relationships with peers. If your child is struggling with separation anxiety as they prepare to return to school, seeking help from a mental health professional trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be highly beneficial.

Understanding CBT Therapy

CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing patterns of negative thinking and behaviors. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and influence each other. In other words, how we think about a situation affects how we feel and behave in response.

In the case of separation anxiety, a child may have negative thoughts about attending school such as “I won’t be safe without my parents” or “What if something bad happens when I’m away from home?” These thoughts can lead to intense feelings of fear and distress, which may result in the child avoiding school or being unable to concentrate while there.

Through CBT therapy, a trained mental health professional will work with your child to identify these negative thought patterns and help them develop more positive and realistic ways of thinking. By challenging these negative thoughts and fears, children can learn to manage their anxiety and feel more confident in their ability to cope with separation.

Emetophobia and Fears Around Returning To School

Emetophobia, or the fear of vomiting, is another common anxiety that can be triggered by the thought of returning to school. This fear can be especially difficult for children who may have experienced a stomach bug in the past and associate it with negative feelings and experiences. Both increased exposure to germs and being around more peers who may vomit can cause higher levels of anxiety, and thus, avoidance.

For these children, the idea of being away from home in a classroom setting can be overwhelming and trigger intense feelings of anxiety. Like separation anxiety, seeking professional help through CBT and exposure therapy can be effective in managing emetophobia and enabling children to attend school without excessive worry or avoidance behavior.

Our Advice To Parents

As a parent, it can be difficult to see your child struggling with anxiety and fear about attending school. However, there are important steps you can take to support and help your child through this transition.

Firstly, it’s important to validate your child’s feelings and acknowledge that their fears are real. Instead of dismissing or minimizing their worries, listen to them without judgement and offer reassurance that they are not alone in feeling anxious about going back to school.

Next, work with your child to develop a plan for managing their anxiety. This could include practicing relaxation techniques together, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises. You can also involve them in the process of finding coping strategies that work best for them, whether it be talking to a trusted teacher or carrying a comforting object with them to school.

Overall, remember that every child is unique and may require different strategies for managing their anxiety. Be understanding, and celebrate even small progress made towards attending school, and work with a trained mental health therapist. With consistent support and patience, your child can overcome their fears and thrive in the academic environment. Don’t lose hope, keep encouraging your child, and find specialized, evidence based care for the most prompt and lasting results.

How We Help

At GroundWork CBT in Orlando, our team of experienced therapists offer individualized treatment for children struggling with anxiety and school avoidance. Our evidence-based approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, exposure therapy, and family involvement to help your child develop effective coping skills and thrive in their academic environment. Contact us today for a consultation and let us support you and your child on the journey towards a brighter future. So take the first step towards helping your child overcome their fears- schedule an appointment with GroundWork CBT today! Together, we can make going back to school a successful and positive experience for your child.