The back-to-school season is an exciting time. With kids returning to school they get to reconnect with their friends, learn about new topics, and get back in their routine. However, there are many elements about back to school season that can instill a sense of fear and panic. As a parent, it is important to identify signs of stress around the back-to-school season so that you can help your child adjust with as little stress as possible. AFC Urgent Care Southcenter is here to help ensure that your child is ready for their back-to-school season. Our walk-in clinic offers same-day physical exams for school and sports participation. We never require that you schedule an appointment to receive rapid care, simply walk in when it’s convenient for you.
Common Symptoms of Stress in Children
Back-to-school season represents a time of serious change. Not only is your child’s entire daily routine changing, but they are asked to perform academically and socially. Back-to-school time is a period where your child will be making new friends, meeting new people, and maybe even participating in new activities or sports for the first time. On top of this, their diet may experience some changes. All of these factors can lead to your child experiencing symptoms of stress during and in anticipation of the back-to-school season. It is important to be able to identify symptoms of stress in your child so that you can act accordingly. Sometimes children are hesitant to raise their concerns, so it is important as the parent to watch out for physical signs of stress.
Common symptoms that suggest your child may be stressed include:
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Lack of enthusiasm
- Not feeling social
- Self-isolating
- Mood swings
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Increased irritability
Can Stress Cause Illness Symptoms
Stress can show up in many different ways. Children can have a difficult time expressing their emotions, which is why it is important to keep an eye on your child during the stressful back-to-school season. If you notice sudden behavioral changes in your child, they could be experiencing stress surrounding the back-to-school season. However, stress can also be shown in other ways. For some children, stress can cause your child to get sick. Stress puts their body in fight or flight mode, which weakens their immune system and increases the risk of them getting sick. Stress can also cause illness symptoms such as an upset stomach, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. Back-to-school illnesses are common, however, it is important to monitor your children for physical signs of stress.
Tips for Reducing Stress During Back-to-School Season
If your child is experiencing stress in anticipation of returning to school, there are a few ways that you can try to help your child adjust. It is important to notify your child's teacher that your child is experiencing stress or anxiety related to returning to the classroom. This will allow them to take action to ensure that being at school is a positive experience. Other tips include:
- Plan a fun activity for them to look forward to after school
- Plan events after school with other kids in the class to encourage friendship
- Pack their favorite foods for lunch and snack
- Ensure that they are staying active
- Invite open conversation surrounding their feelings
Visit AFC Southcenter for Back-to-School Preparation in Kent, WA
If your child is headed back to school this fall, it is important to be aware that the back-to-school season can be very stressful for children. At AFC Urgent Care Southcenter we are ready to help ensure that your child is fully prepared to return to the classroom by providing back-to-school physical exams for school and sport participation. Our board-certified medical staff is available from Monday through Saturday to provide your child with a clean bill of health - all with no appointment needed. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer competitive rates for our care.
