Solving School Problems

Help your child overcome anxiety about schoolwork

The greater demands of middle school can cause many children to become anxious. Your child may be feeling anxiety if you see these signs:

• He frequently asks if you think he’s doing well.
• He is very hard on himself. He never thinks he measures up in appearance, schoolwork or extracurricular activities.
• He complains of not feeling well, and frequently seems “on edge.”
• He gets panicky about an upcoming test or project.
• He wants to stay home from school.

Try these ways to help your child:

• Promote relaxing activities. Also encourage your child to get plenty of exercise.
• Listen. Encourage your child to talk to you about his worries. Do not try to “talk him out” of them. Instead, let him know that you want to help in any way you can.
• Practice calming phrases. “You can do this.” “If you’ve given your best, you’ve done great.”
• Hug your child often. He may not want you to do it in front of his friends, but he still needs it.
• Brainstorm with his teacher. Ask how you can work together to help your child.
• Talk to a doctor or school psychologist if nothing you try seems to be helping.

Reprinted with permission from the December 2004 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (Middle School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2004 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Michael Martin, Ph.D. and Cynthia Waltman-Greenwood, Solve Your Child’s School-Related Problems, ISBN: 0-06-273366-4 (Harper Perennial, 1-800-242-7737, www.harpercollins.com).