As the academic year of 2025 approaches, a mix of excitement and nervousness begins for students and parents, a phenomenon known as school reopening anxiety. School reopening anxiety refers to the fear and apprehension experienced by students and parents due to the reopening of schools after a long break. This feeling is quite common among students. While some students are ready for a new beginning with fresh textbooks, others might face some challenges of fear and anxiety, but it is crucial to overcome this fear so that they can begin their new journey smoothly. In this guide, we will explore some tips for students and parents to deal with anxiety.
What is Anxiety for Students?
Academic Pressure
Most of the students think about how they can adjust themselves in a new learning environment with new friends and teachers. Managing an increased workload, performing well in the exams, and how they can manage things after a long vacation can be challenging.
Social Dynamics
The thought of reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and navigating social hierarchy can be a significant worry. Some children might have become introverted during the extended period of vacation, so it is very difficult for them to adjust to a new session.
Separation Anxiety
The separation anxiety refers to the fear, distress that a child experiences when they are separated from their parents.
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Causes of Anxiety Among Students
- Social Anxiety- The fear of being judged, embarrassed by peers or teachers. This can result in difficulty in making new friends and adapting to a new learning environment.
- Starting a new School/Session- The fear of the unknown in a new class, unfamiliarity with the environment, and with the teachers can cause fear among students.
- Joining School After a Long Break- This is the main cause of anxiety that is faced by students. After a long vacation, they are accustomed to relaxing; as a result, they will face difficulty in focusing on studies.
Symptoms of Anxiety Among Students
- Difficulty in Concentrating - Children find it challenging to focus on their studies after a long break. They sometimes face issues like their minds going blank, an inability to concentrate on schoolwork, or becoming easily distracted by worries.
- Mood Swings - They experience heightened frustration, anger, and upset over minor issues.
- Sleep Problems - Many struggle to fall asleep, have nightmares, or frequently wake up during the night.
Managing School Reopening Nerves: A Joint Effort
A child’s development is linked to parents' attributes. Here are some tips for managing school reopening anxiety in 2025 while supporting their children.
Practice School Routine Together
Before going to school after vacation, as a parent, you can engage your child in simple activities like waking up early in the morning, packing bags, so that they can feel comfortable in their new session.
Encourage Children to Express Their Feelings Freely
Tell your children that it is normal to feel nervous before school starts after a long vacation. Ask them questions like What are you worrying about? Give them space and time to answer.
Routine Change
Before reopening the school after break, it is essential to make your child feel comfortable by ensuring that they will sleep on time and wake up early in the morning.
Tips for Reducing School Reopening Stress
- Adjust Sleep Schedule Early- It is important to adjust your sleep schedule early, before the school reopens. This helps your body feel active and your mind relax.
- Morning Routine Practice- If possible, practice your morning routine a few days before, like waking up, dressing up, having breakfast, and packing your bags. This will build confidence and reduce last-minute hassle.
- Visit the School- Before reopening of school, familiarize yourself with the school by visiting the school building. Walk the hallways, locate your classrooms, library, and restrooms.
- Connect with Classmates- Reach out to friends you know, schedule casual meetups before the school reopens.
School Reopening Anxiety for Parents: How to Support Your Child and Yourself
- Preparation- It is important to prepare well in advance before the school reopens. Discuss the upcoming new session; this will encourage your child’s voice and reduce the fear.
- Creates a Positive Environment- As a parent, your responsibility is to create a positive environment where the child can speak freely and tell about their fear. This helps them to adjust to a new learning environment.
- Encourage your child to talk with friends- You can encourage your child to talk with friends by organizing a casual meetup in the park. This can reduce fear and enhance the feeling of excitement in the child.
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The Role of School in Reducing Anxiety in Students
- Foster an inclusive classroom- This allows students to work in groups, encourages them to share thoughts with friends before speaking in the class.
- Providing Access to Counselling and Mental Health Resources- School counsellors offer professional support to students who are struggling with fear or anxiety. As a result, they will feel comfortable in school.
- Reducing Academic Pressure- Flexible assessment methods and a focus on progress over perfection will help in minimizing the fear of failure.
- Facilitates Open Communication- It means creating a safe and supportive space where students can feel comfortable and express their feelings.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the school reopens, causing a mix of emotions, especially school reopening anxiety for students. After a long break, changes in routine or past disruptions can make students feel nervous. This feeling is not just common but natural. Supporting the students in this phase plays a crucial role in their new academic journey. Before the reopening of school, you can help your child follow a strict morning routine that includes waking up early in the morning, having breakfast, and packing the bags so that they become accustomed to this routine to avoid the last-minute hassle. Prepare your child in advance so that they can feel comfortable in their new sessions. Proper planning in advance helps your child reduce fear or anxiety for their new beginning.
