Back-to-school nerves? Here’s how to make the transition easier | Article

August 27, 2022 Abraham Smith

Anxiety and nervousness are normal, says expert

Last week we asked you to share your tips for relieving those back-to-school jitters. Thanks to your great advice, we’ve created a guide to ease the transition.

CBC Kids News also spoke to an expert to find out why back to school anxiety exists and how you can get into a new routine a little easier this year.

“It’s normal to have a whole range of emotions when it comes to going back to school – from excitement to fear to sadness to anger.” -Dr. Ashley Miller

This is completely normal, says expert

dr Ashley Miller is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia.

She says transitions are hard for everyone, whether you’re a kid or an adult.

dr Ashley Miller said it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous walking down the school hallway. (Credit: Colin Perkel/The Canadian Press)

That’s because routines are healthy for us and switching to a new one can be upsetting.

“It’s really important to realize that when you go back to school, it’s normal to have a whole range of emotions, from excitement to fear to sadness to anger,” Miller said in an interview with CBC Kids News .

For some children, these feelings can even be physical.

If you’ve ever had a stomach ache, headache or butterflies in your stomach when you think about going back to school in September, Miller said, that’s “all normal too.”

Make the transition easier

Miller said that one of the best ways to settle into a new routine is to focus on what you look forward to rather than what makes you nervous.

“It could be a friend you look forward to, or even the idea of walking to school every day.”

Picking out your back-to-school outfit the night before is one small thing you can do to make your first day easier. (Credit: Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press)

She said it’s a good idea to get used to the new environment before school starts.

“Walking or cycling past the school can help,” Miller said. “Or you could try hanging out with a kid who’s going to be in your class.”

Getting enough sleep, exercising, and talking to adults and friends you trust are other effective ways to deal with anxiety and negative feelings.

Miller suggested that kids should try to get their bedtimes back on track a week before school.

“When bedtime [is now] If it’s very late or there’s no bedtime, try moving it an hour earlier every night before your first day of school,” Miller said.

Last pro tip? Miller suggests choosing your first back-to-school outfit the night before.