My 8 year old daughter is suffering from bad anxiety first week of school

[Serap]

My little girl is anxious sometimes. She had a cry the night before school. She expressed her fears of not liking her teacher, no knowing anyone in her class, and not doing well on her grade 3 standardized test in math and english.

I tried my best to hug her and calm her. Her teacher was sick the first 3 days and my daughter finally met her teacher today. I have heard this teacher is absolutely fantastic with kids.

She broke down at school today and went to the office saying she was sick. She did this a couple of times last year too and so the office got my DD to talk to her dad and she went back to class.

I am concerned that my daughter is suffering so much. It’s only the 4th day of school.

What can I do to help her? I don’t want to feed into it too much, but I also want to help her with coping strategies.

I just asked the school if my dd could bring a stuffed animal to hug in her class when she’s feeling overwhelmed. I waiting to hear back. My daughter asked to be able to bring a stuffed animal to hug.

 

[silver_moon]

How is she doing at home?

I remember that she’s gifted but that doesn’t always translate to good grades. Could that be contributing? I hope teachers have been understanding about this.

 

[Serap]

How is she doing at home?

I remember that she’s gifted but that doesn’t always translate to good grades. Could that be contributing? I hope teachers have been understanding about this.

At home, she’s doing great. Yes she is gifted with a learning disability (inability to get her thoughts onto paper).

 

[pensmama87]

I used to get really anxious with school, too, even when I knew the teachers etc. already. My mother got very exasperated with me for being anxious, which as I recall did not really help much.

Does she have a guidance counselor at school? They might be able to help your daughter learn some coping strategies, and then there’s another adult that your daughter knows she can rely on at school. I know in the US, too, public schools employ psychologists who have more specialized knowledge.

 

[Peregrinans]

My son has went through and is still going through school related anxiety. He is so funny, expressive and happy at home, but at school he is like a different child. He gets emotional and nervous at school and is super quiet and stays off by himself. I worry and pray constantly. I will pray for your little girl.

 

[phil_at_dayboro]

This is a sad fact of life, it’s all a part of growing up,for this reason I like he idea of out of school activity,such as Soccar or Ballet ,anything that makes them mix with others their age,it’s a great self confidence thing,

 

[GLam8833]

Do not give in to her, for her future,
my mother gave in to my cry that
my paper-route is not profitable(clients
weren’t home to pay me) and let
me quit… Bad move.

 

[Mary_Gail_36]

It doesn’t really sound like bad anxiety, more like nervousness.

It’s ok to feel nervous or upset.

She’s going to school and her anxiety isn’t keeping her from going.

She’ll be fine.

Maybe send her with an object to comfort her.

My son always brought a guardian angel prayer card to school, he kept it in his back pack.

He also would bring a favorite photo when he was very small.

 

[pianistclare]

Also, could it be that since you are spending quite a bit of time trying to calm your son that she’s seeking some attention?

Just wondering…

Sorry that both the children are giving you a hard time right now.

 

[Serap]

Thanks everyone. Great ideas and thoughtful advice.

My husband went to pick her up early from daycare and she didn’t want to go home lol.

Nervousness sounds right. She is very insecure about her LD. She hates it when the teacher asks her to write.

She is in swimming and loves it. She quit ballet last year. She loves art…maybe an art course?

 

[Serap]

Also, could it be that since you are spending quite a bit of time trying to calm your son that she’s seeking some attention?

Just wondering…

Sorry that both the children are giving you a hard time right now.

Awww thanks!!

 

[Serap]

Also, could it be that since you are spending quite a bit of time trying to calm your son that she’s seeking some attention?

Just wondering…

Sorry that both the children are giving you a hard time right now.

Yes perhaps she feels left out. Good point. I can spend more times with her.

 

[Crusaderbear]

She shouldn’t worry, I get that way every year, and I’ve been teaching 20 years!

 

[Josie33]

Just a suggestion, maybe you can start praying the rosary with her every evening to curb her anxiety and put her at ease for the following school day. Tell her to give all her anxieties to the Blessed Mother in prayer. It will also help her to build a devotion to Our Lady as she grows older and encounters obstacles in life. If she likes that idea, then maybe she can keep some rosary beads with her (even a small decade rosary) just to give a little squeeze when she is struggling to get through the school day as a reminder that Our Lady is always with her and watching over her.

God Bless,

Josie

 

[pianistclare]

Just a suggestion, maybe you can start praying the rosary with her every evening to curb her anxiety and put her at ease for the following school day. Tell her to give all her anxieties to the Blessed Mother in prayer. It will also help her to build a devotion to Our Lady as she grows older and encounters obstacles in life. If she likes that idea, then maybe she can keep some rosary beads with her (even a small decade rosary) just to give a little squeeze when she is struggling to get through the school day as a reminder that Our Lady is always with her and watching over her.

God Bless,

Josie

Yes, great idea!

 

[Serap]

Just a suggestion, maybe you can start praying the rosary with her every evening to curb her anxiety and put her at ease for the following school day. Tell her to give all her anxieties to the Blessed Mother in prayer. It will also help her to build a devotion to Our Lady as she grows older and encounters obstacles in life. If she likes that idea, then maybe she can keep some rosary beads with her (even a small decade rosary) just to give a little squeeze when she is struggling to get through the school day as a reminder that Our Lady is always with her and watching over her.

God Bless,

Josie

Thank you!