This guide aims to support parents support children experiencing anxiety about returning to school after lockdown. It covers understanding anxiety, managing worries, anger, emotions, negative thoughts, routines, separation, change, relaxation, and finding support.
The guide includes explanations of anxiety and the fight/flight response. It suggests strategies like identifying worry types, problem-solving, coping self-statements, cognitive restructuring, and exposure. Tips address sleep, diet, exercise, energy management, mementos for separation, and managing parental anxiety.
Relaxation activities include deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, and grounding using the senses. Links provide further resources on managing transitions. The warm, empathetic tone validates children’s anxiety and emphasizes unconditional support.
Key skills focused on include emotion identification, self-soothing, cognitive restructuring, accessing social support, establishing routines, and siting with discomfort. The guide helps parents foster open communication and resilience. It provides a comprehensive toolkit to support child mental health.
This guide could benefit any parent seeking to help a child manage anxiety around returning to school or other transitions. The advice is suitable for primary and early secondary school ages.
Contents:
Understanding Anxiety
Worry Management
Understanding Anger
Managing Emotions
Challenging Negative Thoughts
Routines: Sleep, Diet & Exercise
A Guide to Energy Banking
Tips for Being Apart
Managing Change
‘Dos and Don’ts’
Relaxation
Other Places to get Support
FREE PDF DOWNLOAD OF TRANSITION ANXIETY: BACK TO SCHOOL A GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND CARERS
