Many children have resumed back to school yesterday. And while some are familiar with school, some are just starting for the first time; hence, they may have a hard time adjusting to their new environment.

So, how do you know if they are comfortable in their new environment?

Educator, Rejoice Olori shared these simple tips to help your children deal with the anxiety that comes with being in a new environment.

Read her tips here

I thought to share this: Kids have resumed so this thread might be helpful. Earlier today, I asked one of the kids to tell me about a conversation he had with a classmate that he enjoyed. (This is another way to ask “How was school, today?”)

He told me he didn’t have any conversation because he had a stomach ache. A quick tip: Kids won’t tell you they have anxiety because they don’t even know what it is. It’s either “I have a stomach ache” or something else. That’s how best they know how to label their feelings.

I smiled because I understood. First off, it’s his first day at school and yes, it’s a new school. I explained what anxiety meant and how his wasn’t peculiar and we could work on it together.

For kids who love to draw; here’s a tip I use: Have the child draw a picture of the fear. Discuss it together. Then ask the child to draw how he hopes it will be. Discuss that too. Post it on the wall or fridge & advise him to tear up the old fear & focus on the helpful one.