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How parents can help students deal with back-to-school stress

Posted at 11:43 PM, Aug 09, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-09 23:43:01-04

INDIANAPOLIS – Some students may feel excited about starting the first day of school, while others experience stress and anxiety about the changes.

Frannie Fisher started the sixth grade this school year and said although there were several things she was looking forward to, like having her own locker, her new class schedule added stress to her normal routine.

“It’s different every day,” said Fisher, “Because lunch doesn’t show up on the schedule I didn’t know where I was supposed to go.”

Fisher said it took her time to organize her schedule and learn what she should expect going into middle school. Her mother said it was helpful to walk Fisher through her new schedule.

“Students thrive off routine,” said Dr. Christina Davis, clinic director at Christian Theological Seminary. “Something new is naturally going to cause a little bit of anxiety or nervousness, but what parents can really do is talk to them about what to expect and how to prepare.”

Fishers’ mother said she was worried about the social pressures that come with attending middle school.

 

“I think there is just more social pressure when you get to that age, especially for girls,” said Becky. "I want to make sure she continues to feel confident, enjoy school, she’s really good at school and that she just continues to be happy.”

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