HERSHEY, Pa. — Back-to-school time can be a mixed bag of emotions — sadness that summer is ending, excitement to see friends again, and anticipation about what the year ahead will bring. For some children, however, first-day jitters can turn into lingering anxiety.
Anna Nase, a pediatric clinical counselor at Penn State Health Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services, said certain behaviors may signal that a child’s worries are more serious.
“Transitions can be a big deal for kids, so when they have trouble separating, like at drop-off or getting on the bus, that can be a sign to explore their worries a little more deeply,” Nase said. “Multiple visits to the school nurse in the same day or week can also be a red flag.”…