Local program helps kids and families navigate back-to-school stress
The Family and Children's Association says the signs that your child might be nervous aren't always obvious.
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It's almost time for kids to go back to the classroom for the start of the school year.
While many students are excited, it can also come with some anxiety about going back to school.
The Family and Children's Association says that feeling is completely normal for kids of all ages.
"A lot of the new transition to a new school, new teachers, new schedule, that can kind of just bring about a lot of fear of 'will I know where I go, like in the school building. Will I know who to talk to if I need any help?'" said Nicole Nieves, clinician with The Family and Children's Association.
The FCA says the signs that your child might be nervous aren't always obvious.
"Outbursts with a lot of anger or just yelling just because they might be really scared and their emotions are just kind of all jumbled," Nieves said.
"Trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating," said Christine Sorensen, an FCA clinician. "Even things like more stomachaches or more headaches."
The FCA''s Families Healing Together Program aims to help kids navigate big life transitions like school. It's a free, community-based program serving Nassau and Suffolk counties. The program empowers youth and strengthens families through education, counseling, prevention services and family-centered support.
"We do counseling, we do workshops with the youth and their families," Nieves said. "So one that we do is transitioning back to middle school, which is a huge one. It just gives them a space to feel like they can come to and know that they're not alone."
The FCA said there are also things parents can try at home to ease the anxiety.
"Start trying to get back into those predictable routines earlier rather than later," Sorensen said. "Restarting whatever your nighttime routine might be for school, your morning routine."
