Classroom Fears

What fears are your children facing as they head back into the classroom?

Sitting next to a ten-year-old, soon to be eleven, I asked if they were excited about school starting. A grimace, followed by a nearly imperceptible shudder was my answer!

Smiling, I ventured futher, "You're in fourth grade? What are you afraid of?" Do you often wonder why a child who was excited one year is shaking with fear the next? It is fear of the unknown, of change.

This particular scholar is currently dealing with a change that will take place as a fourth grader - he knows that for the first time he will have to venture out of his classroom to change classes. He is afraid he will get lost. He is afraid he will go to the wrong class. He is afraid he will look foolish in front of his friends and peers.

As parents we sometimes minimize these fears, but finding the root of trepedation can change the beginning of school to an exciting time rather than a time of knotted stomachs and anxiety.

Today, begin a casual conversation with your child while readying his things for school. Note his behavior - does he have any questions or concerns regarding the new year? If so, find something that can ease his fears.

In the case of the pixie mentioned above, a quick call to the school was enough to find out the chidren did indeed change classes - but they are escorted by a teacher to each class!

Sometimes, if beginning a new school, a child will find comfort in a short visit to the school. In many cases, the teachers are working in their rooms to prepare for the coming school year and would be more than happy to have a bit of help - or to chat for a few minutes with a student!