CHARLOTTE — A new school year can bring excitement and plenty of nerves, but experts say parents should know when those first-day jitters may be signs of something more.
As families prepare to trade playtime for packed lunches and early alarms, Dr. Rajasekhar Kannali, a child psychiatrist at Novant Health, says some anxiety can actually be beneficial to kids.
“Some of that anticipated anxiety will always be there, and sometimes the research also shows a bit of anxiety will help them to perform better too,” he said.
Children may worry about fitting in, making friends or keeping up in the classroom, but doctors warn anxiety can look different from child to child.
“Lack of sleep, worrying more, irritability, all of these are subtle symptoms that maybe it’s time to validate them more and support them in a healthy way,” Kannali said.
Parents can help by easing back into school-year bedtimes and morning routines while reminding children they are capable.
“We have lots of conversations at home to try to help prepare them as best we can,” parent Lindsey Crank told Channel 9’s Miana Massey. “Just know that it’s going to be an adjustment, and change is hard, but they can do it.”
Each new school year marks another milestone for both parents and children, so it’s best to navigate that change together."
“It’s also new experiences for them and new levels of their childhood that I get to experience alongside them,” Crank said. “For me, it’s bittersweet.”
If anxiety starts affecting a child’s sleep or ability to attend school, experts recommend seeking professional support.
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