Experts state that many families encounter intense stress and anxiety experienced by children when returning to school or starting school for the first time. Child Development Dr. Lecturer Demet Gülaldı emphasizes that parents need to be understanding towards their children and give them time in this regard, noting that a well-managed process can make the transition from holiday to school not stressful, but even enjoyable. Gülaldı recommends holding a farewell-to-holiday event before schools open to convey the message 'we are completing one period and starting a new one,' and highlights the importance of establishing a pre-school routine and making children feel that the end of the holiday does not mean the end of social life and playtime.
After a long summer holiday, it's time to return to school. These days, many homes are experiencing a sweet excitement. Children may be eagerly awaiting the opening of their schools, longing for the day they reunite with their friends and teachers. They will share the excitement of their summer holidays with their friends and see friends they haven't seen in a long time. However, this may not be the case for every child.
Dr. Lecturer Demet Gülaldı from the Child Development Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Üsküdar Üniversitesi, offered advice to parents to help children avoid school anxiety when starting school after the summer break.
Returning to school can trigger stress and anxiety in children
Dr. Lecturer Demet Gülaldı highlighted that some children might experience intense stress and anxiety when returning to school or starting school for the first time, stating, “Reasons such as restricted playtime, entering a specific discipline, and separation anxiety from the mother for children starting school for the first time, are situations that children and families must cope with. It is also possible to observe symptoms like unwillingness, loss of motivation, sleep and eating disorders, and unexplained body pains in children experiencing this type of stress and anxiety. Sometimes, behaviors such as irritability, disobedience, defiance, and stubbornness can also be observed in children experiencing school anxiety.” she warned.
Returning to school causes anxiety in parents as much as in students…
Gülaldı stated that many families face these negative situations in their children just before schools open, saying, “Parents need to be understanding towards their children in this regard and give them time. Children who were freer during the holiday period, experiencing flexibility in sleep, nutrition, television, and playtime, will re-enter the school routine with the start of schools. It is quite natural for this situation to create stress for them. In fact, parents can also experience similar anxieties when school starts. Therefore, for this transition process to be positive and calm, parents being aware of both their own emotions and their children's emotions will help the process proceed more positively.”
If the process is managed healthily, the transition to school can be fun
Gülaldı emphasized that it should be known that a child being unwilling, anxious, and stressed does not mean they dislike or do not want school. “The reason for this is the anxiety of shaking off the lethargy of the holiday and entering school discipline, just like adults. With a well-managed process, the transition from holiday to school will not be stressful but even enjoyable.” she said.
Gülaldı continued by suggesting parents empathize if a child is stressed and anxious: “You can help them express these anxieties, tell them you understand, and even share with them that you experienced the same things in your time. This way, your child will not feel guilty because of these emotions.”
The new academic year should be planned together for children's cognitive and emotional readiness
Dr. Gülaldı underlined that gradually establishing a school routine in the days leading up to school will help with physical and biological readiness. “Children struggle most with going to bed early and waking up early. Therefore, it is beneficial to return to the sleep and wake-up routine and adjust meal times according to the school schedule before school opens. By talking with the child about school, they can be told that they will learn new things and have interesting, fun experiences at school because they are a year older. Plans for homework, reading books, and playtime for the new academic year can also be made together, and these can be hung on the child's study corner wall. This will help children prepare for school both cognitively and emotionally,” she advised.
A farewell-to-holiday event can be held before schools open
“We particularly recommend organizing a special family activity for the last few days of the holiday,” said Gülaldı, explaining the reason as follows:
“Just as the academic year was concluded with various fun activities on the last day of school, it is equally important to conclude the holiday period in a similar fashion. With the message ‘we are completing one period and starting a new one,’ a special meal, a unique trip, or an activity the child really wants will conclude the holiday period in the child’s mind and initiate the school period. For children in primary school, a party with summer friends can be held; for those in high school, activities such as trips with friends or going to the cinema would be beneficial for them to bid farewell to summer.”
Children should be helped to establish a balance between school and family
Gülaldı recommended that school preparations be done with the child, saying, “Children's involvement in school shopping, creating a dedicated corner for the child at home, making new arrangements for school in this corner, and discussing fun plans related to school will be beneficial for children.”
Gülaldı emphasized the importance of making children feel that the end of the holiday and the start of school do not mean the end of social life, playtime, and free activities, stating, “As parents, it is important to help our children establish a balance between their school life and family life.”
It should also be observed that the school is ready for the child
Dr. Gülaldı emphasized the need to give children time and be patient with them during this process, concluding her words as follows:
“Despite everything, if behavioral and psychological problems persist in children, seeking support from a specialist may be appropriate. Another crucial element of school readiness is the school itself. It is always beneficial for parents to maintain good dialogue and cooperation with the school and teachers from the very first days of school, observing that ‘the school is also ready for the child’.”