After the holiday’s fun and excitement, children often experience anxiety, stress, and depression when returning to school. This transition requires them to wake up early, study, and complete homework, alongside parents’ high expectations regarding their performance. Psychiatrists refer to this phenomenon as “Post-holiday depression in children,” which is prevalent at the start of the school year.
This condition can affect the mental well-being of children, regardless of their age. Therefore, parents should avoid imposing strict study routines on their children every day after school. It is perfectly acceptable to introduce flexibility in schoolwork and the subjects children need to prepare for, as well as to take other supportive steps that can help children in this phase.
“Sayidaty” spoke with Dr. Tarek Abdel Aziz, a Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Research Center, about depression during school and provided advice on managing children’s mental health and offering support.
“Post-holiday depression”
Children experience what is known as “post-vacation depression,” a condition also observed in adults returning to their work routines after a holiday. Both children and adults may experience anxiety and stress as the school year approaches, sometimes exhibiting symptoms such as stomachaches and diarrhea resulting from this stress.
Although school is crucial for students’ intellectual, social, and emotional development, and students often look forward to returning to a healthy school environment, shifting from vacation to academic responsibilities can pose significant challenges.
Individual differences also affect how students respond to these changes. Some may realize that the forthcoming academic year will be unlike previous ones, while others may feel differently.
To assist children in this transition, it is vital to focus on positive aspects and steer clear of negativity. Some high school students may experience fluctuating emotions from excitement to anxiety, indicating a supportive change while simultaneously feeling tense.
Essential Tips for Mothers
Child support and assistance- Engage with your child to understand their worries about returning to school. Are they concerned about making new friends or finding homework challenging?
- Inquire further: Is anything specific causing anxiety, like switching classrooms? Just discussing these details can help a nervous student feel more secure.
- Share your own experiences, including your anxieties and how you overcame them. This will reassure your child that they are not alone and that it’s okay to feel nervous.
- Look for opportunities to gently reintroduce routines. To facilitate back-to-school preparations, communicate with the school administration about any concerns, encourage your child to adopt a flexible attitude, and work on altering their feelings throughout the year.
- Calmly reassure your child that it’s natural to feel uncomfortable initially, which may help reduce anxiety. They might exhibit quick tempers or trouble sleeping or encounter physical tension.
Suggestions for Managing Children’s Mental Health
Establish a consistent daily routine: Assist students in waking up and going to bed at the same times each day as much as possible.
Adhere to a healthy diet: Emphasize physical activities. A healthy body aids in maintaining a healthy mood and mind.
Assist your child in making friends: Encourage them to socialize before school starts to build confidence and gain support from peers.
Teach new stress management techniques: Introduce your child to yoga and other methods that can help them relax and focus.
Be aware and supportive: If you perceive your child requires additional support, consult a psychologist to identify additional avenues for their psychological well-being.
Avoid pressuring children unnecessarily: Preparations for school should not entail strict bedtime habits, rapid curriculum reviews, or forcing them to complete summer reading assignments, for instance.
Returning to school necessitates not only a commitment to a healthy daily routine (such as getting to bed early) but also psychological readiness for the mental focus and dedication necessary for completing assignments throughout the academic year.
Two Psychological Issues Children May Encounter
Child problems during studyThe first problem:
Although children are often eager to reunite with friends when school resumes, they may also feel they need a break from summer vacation before immediately adapting to the school system, particularly after traveling or enjoying a distant holiday.
Some children naturally struggle with social interactions and are perceived as “less social,” experiencing significant psychological pressure ahead of the new school year.
Children who have faced bullying from peers in previous years may develop heightened anxiety about returning to the same environment.
In these instances, parents may notice behavioral changes in their children, such as persistent crying, repeated refusals to attend school, or aggressive reactions when school is mentioned.
Immediate action is required to help the child express their feelings about previous experiences and to consult specialists regarding the issue.
The second problem:
These are children who confront learning difficulties related to academics, such as issues with reading or speaking clearly. They are particularly vulnerable upon returning to school and often endure significant psychological challenges at the start of the academic year.
In this situation, parents must recognize the academic difficulties their children face before the new year begins, understanding that these challenges may cause mental strain on students as they embark on each new stage of their education.
Essential Psychological Guidelines for Parents in Dealing with Children
Supporting the mother and her childPractice active listening
If your child is voicing concerns, listen attentively and validate their feelings.
Adjust your tone
When your child discusses their problems, avoid raising your voice; such reactions can have a profound psychological impact on them.
Establish a daily routine
A structured daily routine is crucial for children as it fosters good habits, enhances discipline, and reduces anxiety.
Instill healthy habits
While healing your child’s emotional distress is important, it should not eliminate the necessity for them to spend time independently and make small decisions.
Teach adaptability
Families should communicate facts to children about adapting to new situations, ensuring education and guidance are adequate.
Seek professional help
It’s common for children to feel apprehensive about leaving home for extended hours at school; however, if parents observe persistent anxiety for more than a week or two, they should investigate the underlying cause of the child’s concern.
* Note from “Sayidaty”: It is crucial to consult a specialist before implementing any treatment or approach.
Children often experience a wave of anxiety, tension, and even mild depression following the excitement of holidays as they return to school. The need to wake up early, tackle schoolwork, and meet parents’ high expectations can become overwhelming—this phenomenon is known as Post-holiday depression in children. This psychological state can impact children’s mental health, regardless of their age. Hence, it’s crucial for parents to approach their children’s post-holiday transition with understanding and flexibility regarding academic expectations.
Understanding Post-Holiday Depression
Post-holiday depression isn’t exclusive to adults; children can experience this condition, marked by anxiety and stress as the school year looms closer. Children may manifest these feelings through physical symptoms like stomach aches or fatigue, which often stem from stress and worry about transitioning back to a structured school environment.
Despite school being a foundational place for learning, socialization, and emotional growth, moving back into this setting from a carefree holiday can be challenging. Individual responses to this adjustment vary—some children may find the prospect of new experiences thrilling, while others might feel daunted by the change.
Key Tips for Parents
- Engage in open conversations with your child to uncover their specific worries about returning to school, whether it’s about making friends or coping with homework demands.
- Encourage your child to articulate their fears and anxieties, which can help ease their stress through dialogue.
- Share your own experiences with school-related anxiety, emphasizing that such feelings are common and manageable.
- Help your child ease into the school routine by involving them in conversations with school administrators about any concerns they may have. Encourage a flexible mindset to adjust their feelings about the school year.
- Reassure your child that initial discomfort is normal and can diminish over time, helping them acclimatize better.
Managing Children’s Mental Health
Create a Daily Routine: A consistent daily schedule can help instill stability, allowing children to wake and sleep at regular times.
Commit to Healthy Nutrition: Ensure your child engages in a balanced diet and participates in regular physical activities, as both contribute to better mental health.
Facilitate Friendships: Encourage your child to reach out and connect with peers before school starts, fostering a sense of belonging and support among friends.
Encourage Stress Management Techniques: Introduce mindfulness practices and simple yoga exercises that can help your child manage anxiety and promote relaxation.
Seek Guidance: If needed, do not hesitate to consult a child psychologist for additional support and advice on coping strategies.
Common Psychological Challenges in Children
One Challenge: Transitioning Back to School
Children often look forward to seeing their friends again. However, those who have faced bullying or social struggles may experience heightened anxiety about returning. Signs of distress may include reluctance to attend school, irritability, or tears when discussing school.
In these cases, proactive measures are essential. Open conversations about prior negative experiences and professional consultations can be beneficial.
Second Challenge: Learning Difficulties
For children struggling with learning disabilities such as reading or speech challenges, returning to the academic environment can amplify their anxieties. Awareness of these issues allows parents to provide necessary support for their children, minimizing added stress.
Essential Parenting Strategies
Listen Actively
When children express their fears, give your full attention. Validate their feelings and help them understand their emotions.
Maintain Calm Communication
A calm demeanor during discussions about worries fosters a safe and supportive environment for your child.
Implement Routine
A structured daily routine promotes discipline and reduces feelings of anxiety in children.
Encourage Independence
While it’s essential to support and listen to your child, they should also have the space to make decisions and learn autonomously.
Teach Adaptability
Guide children on how to navigate change, emphasizing flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Seek Professional Help When Needed
If anxiety persists beyond a couple of weeks, it’s important for parents to explore the underlying causes and seek expert advice.
*Note from “Sayidaty”: Always consult a specialist before implementing any psychological strategies or treatments.
