If your anxiety level is rising as the new school year approaches, you are not alone. A survey showed that 63% of mothers experience anxiety as their children head back to school.

It is normal for children to feel nervous about entering a new classroom and facing new social and academic challenges. However, parents also feel the stress. In today’s world, children and parents have to deal with the normal pressures of school-day activities and expectations as well as with added uncertainties, such as those associated with COVID-19 and other health concerns. Many parents are worried about their children getting sick, potential school closings and school protocols for handling issues such as masking, vaccinations and in-school attendance. However, there are ways for stressed parents to cope and strategies to help children adjust.

Reasons for Back-to-School Stress

We see advertisements of happy mothers and children shopping for school supplies, suggesting that back-to-school time is something everyone enjoys. In contrast, many parents feel anxiety, fear and stress about accomplishing tasks, changes in schedules or a lack of preparedness to deal with the unknowns.

You may be anxious about the increased costs of supplies, textbooks, childcare, tuition or other expenses associated with returning to the classroom. Many shoppers are frustrated that common items are out of stock. Major retailers cite supply chain problems as the main reason. Seasonal demands on supplies also contribute to the problem. In fact, at TrūAura, we experienced this with our popular hand cream earlier this year…for the same reasons.

As parents, we face decisions about issues that were once simple, such as whether children should ride on a crowded bus. Now, as children return to classroom learning after the pandemic, families are dealing with the residues of these stresses. Although children may not understand the mental, social and economic challenges that families faced during that time, they notice their parent's anxiety.

Children may express their own anxiety through social withdrawal, hostility or loss of confidence. Children of any age may act out their fears and feelings in the classroom. These issues require more understanding from teachers and parents as children adjust.

How To Diffuse Back-to-School Stressors

It is normal to want to protect our children from harm by absorbing their stress. However, parents cannot cover all the bases. But, there are ways for busy moms and dads to cope. Calm parents communicate a sense of ease that helps children cope.

To achieve this, address your own anxieties. If you are worried about safety, speak to your child in simple language that identifies issues. Ask your children to talk about their fears or worries. Listen to what they express without judgment. Afterward, explore solutions together. Give your children the opportunity to come up with their own solutions. If needed, gently add your own. Reassure them that teachers and caregivers are there to care for and help them.

Focus on What You Can Control

Although we cannot protect our children from every potential calamity, we can take control of the necessities of day-to-day living. Experts recommend planning ahead to help everyone adjust to the transition from home to school. Children respond positively to routines. Try setting a school-day routine before the first day of school. This helps children adjust to going to bed earlier, getting up on time, organizing personal items and thinking about daily needs.

Shop for school supplies, groceries and other items before the big day. If you are reluctant to take your child into crowded stores, try shopping online together. You can identify items you need and find out where they are available. Most retailers offer home delivery or curbside pickup. Otherwise, try shopping during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and long lines.

Take Time for Self-Care

Busy mothers often put themselves last. At the end of the day, you may feel exhausted, overwhelmed or depressed by the demands of work and family. Making time for yourself can reduce stress and help keep a positive attitude. Self-care for women includes getting enough sleep, having a good friend or partner to talk to, eating a healthy diet and setting aside quiet time for introspection or spiritual reflection.

When you feel relaxed, healthy and rested, those around you will feel the good vibes. Self-care helps you stay calm, organized and better able to cope with life's expected and unexpected events. When you are calm and in control, your family knows they are in good hands and can relax.

Incorporating a beauty routine into the start and end of each day is a simple way to wind down and take care of yourself. After a bath, moisturize your skin with TrūAura’s Replenishing Body Lotion. Made with probiotics, essential oils and plant derivatives, it nourishes and hydrates skin. Skin around the eyes is more sensitive and deserves a special formulation. Our Advanced Repair Eye Treatment includes probiotics, natural butters and oils and extracts from the water lily that help reduce inflammation and pigmentation. Spritz with a hydrating mist to refresh yourself throughout the day. Both of these products are included in our Healthy Skin Bundle…which is a fantastic place to begin self care and experience clinally-proven TrūAura products.

Communicate With Teachers and School Administrators

Before school starts, talk to teachers and school administrators about your concerns and your child’s needs. Be aware that teachers also feel the stress of readjusting to the classroom and have concerns about health and behavioral issues. Knowing about your child’s needs helps teachers integrate students into a comfortable classroom atmosphere.

Talk to your children about wearing masks and social distancing. Remind them that although people have different opinions on these subjects, their own feelings are valid. If they encounter difficulties, let them know that teachers, school administrators and you are available to listen to their concerns.

Until Next Summer!

After the initial adjustment period, children should settle into the new routine. If children still have back-to-school anxiety or behavioral problems, ask for help. School counselors, teachers, church support groups, psychologists, family counseling services and women’s support groups offer help to parents and children.

As parents, we strive for a harmonious balance in life, safety and the opportunity to care lovingly for our families, friends and neighbors. Taking time out for fun, self-care and giving back to the community shows your children by example how to minimize stress and lead a fulfilling life.

At TrūAura, we believe in fostering well-being and giving back to our communities. Our TrūGiving program supports efforts that help women, children and families overcome difficulties, maintain health and pursue education. Staying healthy and raising a healthy family is a service that often goes unrecognized. We applaud the hard work that mothers do every day.