Back to school is fully underway across Massachusetts — with Boston public schools reopening Thursday. After more than a year of remote or hybrid learning, kids may be dealing with more fall anxiety than usual. Dr. Khadijah Booth Watkins, who specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry at MGH and McLean Hospital, shares what parents should be watching for — and how they can help. “There’s a lot of fears and worries about being in school and being safe in school,” Booth Watkins said.Booth Watkins said she’s seen a steady rise of anxiety in kids since the beginning of the pandemic. Since back to school can add another layer of that Booth Watkins said parents should be watching for several warning signs. First, listen to your child’s conversations. Are they filled with a lot of fears and worries? Are there a lot of “what if” questions? Also, watch for physical signs — like changes in sleep and appetite. Behavior patterns can also provide clues that something bigger is going on — like if younger kids are crankier than normal. Booth Watkins said it’s also important for parents to know that avoidance is one of the most common coping strategies for children. So, what can parents do to step in and support? Booth Watkins said just talking to your kids is key — starting with mentioning that you’ve noticed they seem worried or stressed. Then, she says, listen. Don’t try to fix the issue immediately — start by trying to understand how they’re feeling. Helping kids understand that anxiety is natural can help put it in perspective. And that can include providing the information you might not think to share. “Help them understand that if they fear for safety what things are going to take place in the classroom to make them safe,” Booth Watkins said. “That you’re in touch with their pediatrician and in touch with their teachers.”Lastly, and this is an important one, Booth Watkins adds said parents are the true experts on their kids. Trust your gut — if something tells you something’s not right, that’s the time to seek additional support and help. It may not be treatment, just guidance to help you navigate these times with your kids.
Back to school is fully underway across Massachusetts — with Boston public schools reopening Thursday.
After more than a year of remote or hybrid learning, kids may be dealing with more fall anxiety than usual.
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Dr. Khadijah Booth Watkins, who specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry at MGH and McLean Hospital, shares what parents should be watching for — and how they can help.
“There’s a lot of fears and worries about being in school and being safe in school,” Booth Watkins said.
Booth Watkins said she’s seen a steady rise of anxiety in kids since the beginning of the pandemic.
Since back to school can add another layer of that Booth Watkins said parents should be watching for several warning signs.
First, listen to your child’s conversations. Are they filled with a lot of fears and worries? Are there a lot of “what if” questions?
Also, watch for physical signs — like changes in sleep and appetite.
Behavior patterns can also provide clues that something bigger is going on — like if younger kids are crankier than normal.
Booth Watkins said it’s also important for parents to know that avoidance is one of the most common coping strategies for children.
So, what can parents do to step in and support?
Booth Watkins said just talking to your kids is key — starting with mentioning that you’ve noticed they seem worried or stressed.
Then, she says, listen. Don’t try to fix the issue immediately — start by trying to understand how they’re feeling.
Helping kids understand that anxiety is natural can help put it in perspective.
And that can include providing the information you might not think to share.
“Help them understand that if they fear for safety what things are going to take place in the classroom to make them safe,” Booth Watkins said. “That you’re in touch with their pediatrician and in touch with their teachers.”
Lastly, and this is an important one, Booth Watkins adds said parents are the true experts on their kids.
Trust your gut — if something tells you something’s not right, that’s the time to seek additional support and help.
It may not be treatment, just guidance to help you navigate these times with your kids.