Back-to-school 101: Spotting anxiety in kids

Parents should watch for certain behavioral cues that might suggest their children are having a difficult time readjusting to school (Stock image)

By Alexis Dill MS PLMFT, adill@stph.org

This time of year – that is, back-to-school time – can be an especially stressful time for parents and children alike.

Between the stresses of early-morning routines, homework, after-school activities and the endless amounts of paperwork, stress can manifest in homes all throughout our community and in a variety of ways.

Below are some tips provided to you by The Parenting Center to help recognize anxiety and stress in your children:

• If you find that your child is having frequent tummy aches or not feeling well.
• If you start to notice that your child is not eating properly, whether eating too much or too little.
• If you start to notice that your child is always worrying.
• If you find that your child is often clinging to you in the mornings, not wanting to go to school and struggling to make it throughout the day.
• If you find that your child is having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night.

Parenting is one of the toughest jobs in the world, and The Parenting Center is here for you! If you feel as though your child is struggling with any of these symptoms, reach out to The Parenting Center and we will be glad to help in any way we can.

For $20, we offer Parenting Coaching by appointment. Just call The Parenting Center to set up an appointment with one of our educators for guidance and assistance on how to help children with their stress and anxiety.

Below, find descriptions of upcoming Parenting Center classes for parents and new siblings. For details and a full calendar of events, visit STPH.org/Parenting Center, email adill@stph.org or call 985-898-4435.

• On Thursdays, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the Parenting Center hosts a free Baby and Me Support Group. This class is open to the public and will be facilitated by our Education Coordinator, Alexis Dill. This weekly group provides socialization for new babies as well as a time for new parents to collaborate and talk about new parent struggles. For details visit STPH.org/Parenting Center, email adill@stph.org or call 985-898-4435.
• Looking for a new Play Group in town? Join us for our age-specific play groups! Our preschool play group will be Oct. 6 and 13 at 10:30 a.m., and our toddler play group is set for Oct. 7, 14 and 21 at 10:30 a.m. For details visit STPH.org/ParentingCenter, email cfouquet@stph.org or call 985-898-4435.
• Are you breastfeeding your baby? Are you pregnant and thinking about breastfeeding? Join our free Family Breastfeeding Support class, where our primary goal is family support. The class is open to the public. All family members are welcome to come learn tips and tricks for the breastfeeding process. Meetings are held at the Parenting Center once a month. Our October class is set for Friday, Oct. 2, at 10 a.m. For details visit STPH.org/ParentingCenter, email adill@stph.org or call 985-898-4435.
• Come out and join the Parenting Center’s BLS instructors as they do hands-on CPR training in our Friends and Family CPR class on Oct. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.  You will gain great knowledge and skills needed for choking and breathing emergencies that may arise with your child, family member or anyone in your presence. (Note: This is not a CPR certified class, however the skills and knowledge you gain can save lives.)
  COST: $30/per person. For details visit STPH.org/ParentingCenter, email adill@stph.org or call 985-898-4435.

Alexis Dill is a provisionally licensed marriage and family therapist. She serves as education coordinator at St. Tammany Health System’s Parenting Center and can be reached at adill@stph.org.