Mental Health Matters: Managing Back to School Anxiety

February 6, 2025 By Jessica Chamoun, Intervention Specialist Traveling for work or other reasons has become a normal part of our everyday lives. Many working parents today travel because of work demands or family commitments. As such, being away from our children for a certain period of time may be common and inevitable. Children may react to their parents' absence by experiencing some anxiety, clinginess, or by feeling sad or angry. Such emotions are typical, and a parent's brief departure gives kids the ideal chance to practice adjusting to separations. Here are some tips on how to help your child cope when you travel: Inform your child about your travel plans at the appropriate time. Using shorter time frames when informing children about your traveling plans can be helpful so that they worry less. Check- in with your child when you are away. Stay in touch with your child every day. If you are gone for several days, scheduling a daily phone call or video call as a part of your travel routine can be beneficial. Stick to Routines. Try to maintain family routines and be creative with long distance family time (for example: using technology to read a bedtime story to your child when you are away). Make an itinerary and give your child details. Use a fun colorful calendar to mark events such as your departure date, return date, and check in times. Provide children with visuals (such as pictures or a map) to give them transparency about your plans and about where you will be. Leave them notes. Leave your child notes in places they least expect (such as their lunch box or backpack) as a way to stay connected. Discuss feelings. Keep the lines of communication open and let your child know that it's appropriate to express their emotions. Normalize their feelings and reassure them that you will be back soon. Encourage social interaction. Arrange playdates with friends or family to help your child cope with your absence and keep busy. Arrange for some quality time together to catch up. Make your reunion a special one. Plan an activity or a fun outing you and your child can do together when you return. Include them in the decision- making process, so they have something to look forward to upon your return. Click here for additional resources.

It's thrilling to welcome a new baby into the family, but it can also be a very stressful and worrying time for both parents and kids. Although it's impossible to know in advance how your older child will react to their new baby brother or sister, having big emotions can be very common. It is normal for children to feel a little jealous when the family dynamics change. Older siblings may act out, possibly making the transition a little more challenging. As a result, it is essential to make the change as easy as possible by preparing your child beforehand and including them in the process. Here are some practical suggestions to help your child adjust to a new sibling: Be patient and give it time. Much like any adjustment, remember that the process of accepting a new sibling takes time. Your elder child will ultimately adjust with your acceptance and support. Involve your child in the planning process. Include your child in the practical preparations for the new baby such as decorating the room and purchasing baby supplies. Establish a ritual. Try to spend one-on-one quality time with your child. Start the ritual before the baby is born and keep it a routine till after the baby arrives. Read stories about babies. Stories can facilitate a conversation about how your family is growing and about your older child’s new role. Give your child reassurance. Talk to them about their worries and assure them. Let them know that they will always be important, they will always be loved, and how that won’t change after the baby is born. Give them roles. Give your older child some responsibilities to help with the baby around the house. Praise them when they are loving and compassionate around the baby. Click here for additional resources.