‘Stay positive’: UAB psychologist has advice for kids dealing with back-to-school anxiety

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - As students prepare to return to the classroom, they may experience some last-minute jitters.

This time of year comes with a lot of change, and that can trigger a lot of emotions.

“You got to get you a school education,” said Birmingham City Schools 5th grader Jayceon Tolbert. “You got to get you a diploma, and if you want to be anything in life, you always got to go school.”

However, not every student feels as confident as Jayceon, some may feel nervous walking into a new classroom, with a new teacher, possibly at a new school.

“I think as a parent your role is to stay positive,” said Margaret Canter, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor in pediatrics at UAB.

Canter helps children and their families navigate anxiety.

“Validate that feeling,” the psychologist said. “It makes sense that you’re feeling anxious. It’s a new school year with a new teacher, new friends in your classes and things like that, and I know you’ll go a great job! What are your most excited about for tomorrow?”

Canter said it may help to create an award system at home, something simple to encourage bravery and good behavior.

She said tablet time or ice cream are reliable motivators.

“If we are able to be brave this morning and go into school, like the big girl you are, then you’ll get like a bravery star and once we get that many bravery stars you can get X,” she shared.

If your child cannot seem to shake the stress of going back to school, and you start seeing signs like frequent calls or notes coming home, Canter said it may be worth reaching out to a professional for therapy.

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