For school-aged children, the end of summer is the kick-off to a “new” school year!  “New,” being the operative word here– meaning change, and lots of it!  The thought of starting a new school year tends to either cause excitement or anxiety in most children.  I know this, not only because I once was an anxious student myself, but because I have also been a teacher for many years.  I’m going to speak to you about those students who tend to reside on the anxious end of the spectrum.  I have seen many students, through the years, arrive at my school on the first day with a major case of the first-day jitters.  My heart aches for them, and I want to reassure them, “It’s all going to be okay!”  Would they believe me if I told them this?  They don’t know me yet.  They are starting a new school year, in a new grade level, with a new teacher, who has a new set of rules and expectations, in a new classroom, and with new classmates to make friends with.  This makes me think of what the adult equivalent to all this change might be.  For an adult, it might be the same as, starting a new job, with new performance standards and expectations, in a new location, with new coworkers, and a new boss.  All this change can be very exciting!  There are so many things to look forward to!  But not everyone finds all this change so wonderful.

For some children, even small changes in routine and environment can cause a lot of anxiety.  They may be looking forward to school, but their fear of the unknown and uncertainty is stealing their joy and excitement.  These students may be thinking, “Is my new teacher going to be nice?”  “Am I going to have friends in my new class?”  “Will I still get to see my old friends?”  “Am I going to be able to keep up with this year’s assignments and grade level expectations?”  The student’s school experience in previous years, the stability of their home life, and overall confidence level, are other key factors that must be considered when looking at the various reasons why your child may have a tendency to either embrace change, or fear it.  If a student is struggling academically, or socially, they may also be more likely to have some trepidation about starting the new school year.

From my experience, as a teacher, I want to share some tips with parents that have a child who’s feeling anxious about starting their new school year.  First, acknowledge your child’s feelings.  There is a lot of change happening all at once in their little world, and they need to know that you not only understand their feelings, but can also sympathize with them.  Don’t tell your child, “Everything is going to be fine.  Don’t worry!”  From personal experience, someone telling you not to worry, never helps.  Rather, try talking with your child about their specific concerns.  You can try asking your child questions about how they feel about the various aspects of school life.  Try to discern which of those aspects may be the source of greatest concern to your child.

You may try asking your child some of the following questions:  What are you most looking forward to this school year, and why?  If you could change, or improve anything from last year for this year, what would it be?  What school subject comes easiest for you?  Which school subject are you going to work extra hard at this year?  What will be most challenging for you at school this year, and why?  Who would you consider your closest friends at school?  Who might you like to get to know better this year?  Is there anyone you’re having a hard time getting along with?  If so, how come?  What steps can you take to make that relationship better?

As your child begins opening up to you about their feelings, use that as an opportunity to ease their fears, build their confidence, help them problem-solve, and turn their fear into excitement for the new things they have to look forward to.  Sometimes, all it takes is a little change in perspective.  It’s easy for a child, or anyone for that matter, to get tangled up in a pattern of negative thinking.  These thoughts, if given residence in our minds long enough, can actually form the core beliefs we live by.  Therefore, our beliefs should be established on a foundation of truth; not feelings, assumptions, or pre-conceived notions.  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of this enough!  One definition of fear, using the acronym F.E.A.R., is “False Evidence Appearing Real.”  Fear is not of God.  Fear is from the enemy (Satan).  Fear is a liar!  Remember what 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear. . .”

Help your child turn each and every fearful thought, into a positive, truth-filled reflection from the Word of God.  From a biblical perspective, we call this taking captive every thought, based on the verse from 2 Corinthians 10:5 that says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  For every lie from the enemy, there is a biblical truth that can be found to drive out fear.

As parents, we want only the best for our children.  We want them to be happy and fulfilled, excited for school, and looking forward to all the blessings that God wants to bestow on them in the coming year.  In essence, we want our children living perfectly loved!  This comes from knowing God, praying, and reading the Bible consistently!  Parents, you have a part in this!  God instructs parents to teach their children the way in which they should go (read Proverbs 22:6).  Our children need us to guide them in the truth of God’s Word.  The more your child knows about who God is, who he/she is in relationship with Jesus Christ, and God’s perfect love for him/her, the happier and fuller their lives will be.  As our children learn to trust Him more, they will gradually be able to let go of the things that they wish they could control in their lives– those things that tend to cause them so much anxiety.  This is a process, but one they can walk out hand-in-hand with God.  Encourage your child to continue taking steps forward in their faith journey.  It will stretch them at times.  There may be moments they crumble in your arms and cry, but that’s okay.  These are growing pains!  They are necessary in the process of maturing, and growing up!  I pray that someday, your child will be able to see there was purpose in the pain, and be able to confidently proclaim, “I don’t know what my future holds, but I know the One who holds my future.”

To get you started, in diving into the Word of God with your child, spend some time with them reading the following verses.  You might even consider making flashcards, or displaying some of your child’s favorite verses around the house.  This is sure to bring peace and comfort to your child, and to the whole family!

Your child needs to know he/she is:

Fearfully and wonderfully made (read Psalm 139:14)

Created in the image of God (read Genesis 1:27)

Worth more than sparrows (read Luke 12:7)

Equipped (read Ephesians 4:11-12)

More than a conqueror (read Romans 8:37)

The light of the world (read Matthew 5:14)

A child of God (read John 1:12)

Clothed in righteousness (read Isaiah 61:10)

Loved with an everlasting love (read Jeremiah 31:3)

AND. . . Your child will also be encouraged to know:

The Lord will be with you wherever you go (read Joshua 1:9)

Nothing can separate you from the love of God (read Romans 8:38)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (read Philippians 4:13)

God gives us peace (read John 14:27)

The Lord will fight for you (read Exodus 14:14)

The Lord works all things for the good of those that love Him (read Romans 8:28)

The Lord goes before you  (read Deuteronomy 31:8)

God will command his angels concerning you (read Psalm 91:11)

The Lord has plans to prosper you and not to harm you (read Jeremiah 29:11)