School Psych Made Simple
School may be slowing down, but Anxiety may be heating up!
Change in routine can be a sure trigger for some kid's anxiety!
The end of school may signify a slower pace and a more peaceful time for most of us - parents and kids alike - but for some kids this isn't the case. The end of school routines and the start of something new, like day or sleep away camp or travel, may be very stressful for young children.
Not all children show their anxiety in the same way, so it is important to be attuned to your child's particular manifestation. Some kids become irritable, others withdraw and become less communicative. Being there to help them name this big emotion will help them tame it.
Dealing with our child's anxiety can be tricky!
Even though you know that the temper tantrum over the shorts you are packing in the camp trunk is stemming from your child's anticipation of his or her separation from you, it may be hard to react calmly and rationally to something that appears so irrational! Here is a great article with practical steps to manage your own reactions to your child's over-reaction!http://www.gozen.com/9-things-every-parent-with-an-anxious-child-should-try/
Having an Optimistic Mindset can ward off the Worries
What we know is that what we think is what we become. So if we are thinking negative thoughts about the future or the unknown, we are bound to develop anxiety based on those thoughts. The anxiety prevents us from thinking through things clearly and making good choices in terms of behavior. Our fifth graders are learning that an optimistic mindset allows us to reframe situations in a positive light. One way of doing that is through self-talk. Self-talk is the dialogue inside our head that we engage in all day long. If we can train ourselves and our children to talk kindly to ourselves, we have a better chance of remaining calm and warding off the Worry Monster!
Hands on Approach to Dissect the Worries
Some kids really respond best to a visual and hands-on approach to conquering their fears. Here is a fun and easy activity to do with your child to help them visualize their fears and worries inside their brain and be able to "remove and dissect them!" http://www.kimscounselingcorner.com/2012/07/08/another-step-in-all-tied-up-with-worry/
MaryAnn Colucci
School Psychologist
Cantiague Elementary School
Jericho, NY
Email: mcolucci@jerichoschools.org
Location: Cantiague Elementary School, Cantiague Rock Road, Jericho, NY, United States
Twitter: @ColucciMaryAnn