Tampa General Hospital

You thought your child's anxiety about the new school year would fade after a few weeks of school. Now, they seem to feel suspiciously sick when it's time to get ready, appear sullen on the way to school, or just outright refuse to go. As many as 5 percent of students in grades K–12 experience behavior that the Anxiety and Depression Association of America refers to as anxiety-based school refusal. This anxiety can lead to miserable mornings for children and parents alike — and even missed school days. SPOTTING THE SIGNS School refusal can take many forms and have multiple causes, but Jennifer McCain, PsyD, ABPP-CN, board-certified clinical neuropsychologist at Tampa General Hospital, suggests parents watch out for these symptoms of anxiety in children: − Temper tantrums − Irritability − Defiance − Head and stomach pain − Diarrhea "If you notice a pattern of these signs recurring often during school days, partner with your pediatrician, who can also bring in a counselor," Dr. McCain says. "It's essential to figure out what's causing the anxiety in order to address it." THE ABCS OF ANXIETY School should always feel like a safe place for any child, but as Dr. McCain points out, any number of issues can change that. Common causes include: − Bullying or ostracism from other children − Academic pressure − Lack of connections with peers inside or outside the classroom − Fears or insecurities surrounding home life The reasons can be complex, and may include other behavioral issues or conditions, such as undiagnosed depression. The good news, Dr. McCain says, is that you're not alone as you try to get to the bottom of a child's anxiety. "It's sometimes surprising to adults what causes anxiety in a child," Dr. McCain says. "I try to remind patients that worries and fears operate on a very different scale for kids. It's important to see things from their perspective." SERIOUS Making School Fun Again A lot of uncertainty can happen in a school day, leading to high amounts of anxiety in some children. Jennifer McCain, PsyD, ABPP-CN, board-certified clinical neuropsychologist at Tampa General Hospital, suggests these tips for giving your kids a sense of stability at home as well as in the classroom. • Talk every day. Ask your child what makes them happy and sad, hopeful and scared. There's more going on than just what they learned in class that day. • Help them connect. Set time aside to learn their interests, and find out what clubs, teams or social groups the school or community offers that can foster those interests, build self-esteem and nurture social connections. • Get predictable. Have them wake up at the same time every morning with a nutritious breakfast. This establishes a routine from the start of their day. Follow through with an after-school routine. IF YOU'RE CONCERNED THAT YOUR CHILD'S HESITATION TO GO TO SCHOOL HAS TURNED SERIOUS, VISIT 4HEALTHIER.ME/TGMG-DOCS TO FIND A PEDIATRICIAN. WHEN BACK-TO-SCHOOL JITTERS TURN 15 fall 2017 / tgh.org

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