NewsWSVN 7 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.
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Parents are advised on how to distinguish normal nervousness from anxiety that impairs a child's ability to function, with guidance on when to seek professional support.
Key Facts
- Anxiety in children may 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.
- Pediatricians recommend maintaining school attendance rather than allowing 'mental health days,' as avoiding school can reinforce anxiety.
- Parents are encouraged to involve mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychologists, if a child struggles to manage emotions.
- Parents may notify school staff, including teachers or nurses, if a child requires additional support during the transition.