By: Geraldine Del Monaco, Energy Healer & Intuitive Practitioner

Anxious feelings are normal and expected during times of transition or change. This is especially true for children and teens going back to school, or for first-timers starting kindergarten. This transition can be stressful and disruptive for the entire family! Prior to the first day of school, your anxious child may cling, cry, have temper tantrums, complain of headaches or stomach pains, withdraw, and become sullen or irritable.

Worries are common. Anxious children and teens worry about many different school-related issues, such as teachers, friends, fitting in, and/or being away from their parents.

Also as parents, we often have high expectation and when they are not met, we can unconsciously transmit our frustration to our kids.

The following are a list of physical and emotional signs of anxiety that parents can watch for:

Physical signs of anxiety

  •   Frequently complains of headaches or stomachaches, even though there’s no medical reason for them.
  •   Refuses to eat snacks or lunch at daycare or school.
  •   Won’t use restrooms except at home.
  •   Can become restless, fidgety, hyperactive or distracted (even though he doesn’t necessarily have ADHD).
  •   Starts to shake or sweat in intimidating situations.
  •   Constantly tenses his muscles.
  •   Has trouble falling or staying asleep.

 

Emotional signs of anxiety

  •   Cries often.
  •   Acts extremely sensitive.
  •   Becomes grouchy or angry without any clear reason.
  •   Is afraid of making even minor mistakes.
  •   Has extreme test anxiety.
  •   Has panic attacks (or is afraid of having panic attacks).
  •   Has phobias (about bees, dogs, etc.) and exaggerated fears (about things like natural disasters, etc.).
  •   Is afraid people will find out about his learning and attention issues (more so than other kids with the same issues).
  •   Worries about things that are far in the future (for example, a third grader might worry about starting middle school).
  •   Is worried or afraid during drop-offs (at daycare, school, relatives’ homes, etc.).
  •   Has frequent nightmares about losing a parent or loved one.
  •   Gets distracted from playing by his worries and fears.
  •   Has obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors (finger tapping, hand washing, etc.).
  •   Is starting to have meltdowns or tantrums.

 

Grounding Technique for Children

This is a simple yet effective technique to ground your kids and give them the power to overcome their worries and fears. I usually do it on my son at bedtime, as it’s when our son can lie down without wanting to jump around, but you can do this at any time whenever you feel the need.

  • Tell your child to lay down on his bed, close his eyes with arms, shoulders, abdomen and legs completely relaxed.
  • Take your predominant hand and gently put it on the base of your child’s spine –root chakra. Then visualize a red flow of energy entering his whole body from your hand. Hold it for a couple of minutes then lift your hand.
  • Place your other hand over the solar plexus area (just above the navel) and visualize yellow energy to enter and flow harmoniously inside his body. Hold it for a couple of minutes then lift your hand.
  • Put your predominant hand back on the root chakra at the base of the spine and the other one on your child’s head. Hold it for 3 or 4 minutes until his energy field is back into balance.

I always recommend parents listen to their child’s concerns. Never dismiss their emotions but welcome them with comfort and love. Help them to solve problems and remind them of their past successes. And last but not least, twice a day, play with your child and get them laughing.

 

Happy back to school time!