LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – As families prepare for the first day of class, mental health experts say it is equally important to prepare for back-to-school anxiety.
New teachers, unfamiliar routines, and the return to structured schedules can all cause stress for children. Dr. Katy Hopkins, a psychologist with Norton Children’s, says back-to-school jitters are common, especially after a relaxed summer.
To ease the transition, Dr. Hopkins recommends discussing routines early and involving children in preparations, like back-to-school shopping.
“Most kids really enjoy things like back-to-school shopping,” Dr. Hopkins said. “As you’re shopping, you can start to talk about what to expect, what the schedule is going to look like, when they have to get up, and when they have to go to bed. Talking about those routines is a great way to ease into the school year.”…