NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiAugust 11, 2026Miami-Dade
Pediatrician provides guidance on managing back-to-school anxiety in children
A pediatrician advises parents to monitor children for physical and behavioral signs of school-related anxiety as the academic year begins. Experts recommend maintaining school attendance routines and communicating openly with children to help them transition successfully.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 News MiamiWhy It Matters
Parents and students face potential disruptions to school attendance and daily functioning due to anxiety, which can be addressed through specific communication strategies and professional support.
Key Facts
- Anxiety in children can manifest as physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches, sleep disruption, or social avoidance.
- Clinical anxiety is distinguished from normal nervousness by whether it impairs a child's ability to attend school and function productively.
- Experts advise parents to engage in open dialogue with children about their feelings regarding school.
- Consistent school attendance is recommended, as allowing 'mental health days' can reinforce anxiety and make future attendance more difficult.
- Parents are encouraged to involve mental health professionals such as therapists or psychologists if needed.
- Parents should inform school staff, including teachers or nurses, if a child requires extra support during the transition.