Understanding Your Child's 'New Teacher' Anxiety

As the new school year rolls around, many children experience a mix of excitement and anxiety.

One common worry is about their new teacher.

Let's explore why this happens and how we can help our little ones cope.

Why the Worry?

Children thrive on routine and familiarity. A new teacher represents a big unknown in their daily life. They might wonder:

• Will the teacher be strict or fun?
• Will they understand me?
• What if they don't like me?

It's natural for young minds to conjure up various scenarios, often leaning towards the negative. This is just how our brains work - always trying to prepare us for potential challenges.

Signs to Watch For

Anxiety isn't just in the mind - it shows up in the body too. Look out for:

• Tummy aches or feeling sick
• Tense muscles, especially in the jaw or shoulders
• Furrowed brows or worried expressions

How You Can Help

• Acknowledge their feelings: Let them know it's okay to feel nervous.
• Share your own experiences: Talk about times when you were anxious about something new, and how it turned out fine.
• Focus on the positives: Discuss exciting things about the new school year.
• Practice calming techniques: Try simple breathing exercises together.

Remember, it takes time for everyone - children, teachers, and parents - to adjust to new routines.

Be patient, stay positive, and don't hesitate to reach out to your child's school if concerns persist.

Next time, we'll explore some practical exercises to help ease those anxious thoughts!

If you like this, come and find lots of resources and support in the Learnful Family. We meet once a month online to share practices, tips and a have a chat about parent self-regulation. I'd love to see you :-)