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First day of school jitters -- or real, genuine child anxiety?
Don't automatically dismiss your child's jitters about returning to school, one child psychologist warns. They might actually be suffering from bonafide anxiety.
Wendy K. Silverman, a psychologist at Florida International University’s Child Anxiety and Phobia Program (CAPP), says parents might just dismiss child anxiety and that it could mushroom into depression, severe behavioral problems and even substance abuse later in life.
And really, would you want that pinned on you? I wouldn't!
Silverman and colleague William Kurtines are in the midst of a $3.3 million study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health to develop state-of-the-art techniques to diagnose and treat children with anxiety.
(If you think your kid has had anxiety for at least six months, call the Child Anxiety and Phobia Program at 305-348-1937.)
Click on the jump for Silverman's tips for getting children ready for the school year:
1. Remind them of the friends they have not seen all summer
2. Remind them of a favorite teacher they may see again
3. Get children excited over the “back to school” shopping routine, even in terms of school supplies.
4. Discuss extracurricular activities in school, such as sports or clubs, may also motivate children
5. For kids going to a school for the first time, make sure to check for open house type activities that provide an opportunity to meet teachers before the official start of the school year
Gretchen Day-Bryant has a son in high school and a daughter in middle school. She’s lived to tell about the struggles of juggling little kids and work...
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Georgia East is the parent of a five-year-old girl, who came into the world weighing 1 pound, 13 ounces...
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Comments
Well, THAT sounds a little too scary. Lets not make MOM anxious! My experience suggests that most of these issues are simple adjustments. When there is "separation anxiety", my practice supports parents AND child. The pattern usually involves anxiety on both ends. Happy first day of school everyone!
Dr. Jeff www.WestonChildPsychologist.com
Posted by: Jeff M. Bauman | August 24, 2009 5:27 AM
Excellent tips. Most parents don't understand that child anxiety, if left untreated, can lead to more serious mental health issues like OCD, Panic Disorder, and even Depression. Thanks.
Posted by: Anxiety Survivor | August 24, 2009 11:01 AM