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The coronavirus outbreak has caused major disruptions to daily life and children are feeling these changes deeply. While the return to school will be not only welcome but exciting for many students, others will be feeling anxious or frightened. Here are tips to help your children navigate some of the complicated emotions they may be facing with going back to school.

My child is scared to go back to school. How can I help him feel at ease?

Starting school or starting a new school year can be stressful at the best of times, let alone during a global pandemic. You can make him feel at ease by having an open conversation about what it is that's worrying him and letting him know that it's natural to feel anxious.

Children may feel nervous or reluctant to return to school, especially if they have been learning at home for months. Be honest - for example you could go through some of the changes they may expect at school, such as needing to wear forms of protective clothing like masks. Children may also find it difficult being physically distanced from friends and teachers while at school - you could encourage them to think about other ways to bond and stay connected.

Reassure children about safety measures in place to help keep students and teachers healthy and remind children that they can also help prevent germs spreading by washing their hands with soap and coughing or sneezing into their elbow.

Remind children about the positives - that they will be able to see their friends and teachers (if they are physically returning to the classroom) and continue learning new things.

My child's school is recommending the wearing of protective clothing, which is making my child feel more nervous. What should I say to her?

Approach this conversation with empathy, saying that you know she is feeling anxious about coronavirus, but that it's healthy to talk about our worries and emotions. Children may also get upset or frustrated if they are finding it hard to wear masks, especially when running or playing. You can reassure your children that lots of adults are working hard to help keep your family safe, but emphasize that it's important we all follow the recommended measures to take care of more vulnerable members of our community.

How can I encourage my child to follow precautions (such as frequent handwashing, physical distancing, etc.) at school without alarming her?

One of the best ways to keep children safe from COVID-19 and other diseases is to simply encourage regular handwashing. It doesn't need to be a scary conversation. Sing along with their favourite song or do a dance together to make learning fun. Make sure to teach them about how even though germs are invisible, they could still be there. When children understand why they need to wash their hands, they're likely to continue doing so.

You can also show children how to cover a cough or a sneeze with their elbow, and ask them to tell you if they start to feel like they have a fever, cough or are having difficulty breathing.

>> Read everything you need to know about washing your hands

My child is not part of the same group as his close friends returning to school and is feeling even more isolated. How can he feel more connected to the classroom and his friends?

If your child's school starts to return gradually, your child may be anxious about being separated from his friends. When the official reopening of schools is announced, help him get ready to return to school by sharing information on when and how this will happen.

Letting your kids know ahead of time that schools may need to close again will help them to be prepared for the period of adjustment ahead. It's also important to continue to remind them that learning can happen anywhere - at school and at home.

For those with access to the Internet, safe and monitored use of online games, social media and video chat programmes can provide great opportunities for children to connect with, learn and play with their friends, parents and relatives while at home. You could also encourage your children to use their voices online to share their views and support those in need during this crisis.

You can encourage your children to take advantage of digital tools that get them up and moving, like online exercise videos for kids and video games that require physical movement. Remember to balance online recreation with offline activities, including time outside, if possible.

>> Learn 5 ways to help keep children learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

How can I gently check in to see how my child is coping?

It's important to be calm and proactive in your conversations with children - check in with them to see how they are doing. Their emotions will change regularly and you need to show them that's okay.

Whether at school or at home, caregivers can engage children in creative activities, such as playing and drawing, to help them express and communicate any negative feelings they may be experiencing in a safe and supportive environment. This helps children find positive ways to express difficult feelings such as anger, fear or sadness.

As children often take their emotional cues from the key adults in their lives - including parents and teachers - it is important that adults manage their own emotions well and remain calm, listen to children's concerns, speak kindly and reassure them.

>> Read more on how to protect your family's mental health in the face of COVID-19

Is there anything I should look out for as my child starts back at school?

In addition to checking in on your child's physical health and learning when she goes back to school, you should also keep an eye out for signs of stress and anxiety. COVID-19 may be impacting your child's mental health, and it's important to demonstrate that it's normal and OK to feel overwhelmed at times. When in doubt, empathy and support are the way to go.

There have also been concerns that incidents of stigmatization and bullying may increase when children return to school, due to some of the misinformation around COVID-19. You should explain that the virus has nothing to do with what someone looks like, where they are from or what language they speak. If they have been called names or bullied at school, they should be encouraged to tell a trusted adult. Remind your children that everyone deserves to be safe at school and online. Bullying is always wrong and we should each do our part to spread kindness and support each other.

My child is worried about bullying at school and online, how can I talk to them about it?

If your child is worried about bullying either in person or online, it's important to let them know that they are not alone and they can always talk to you or another trusted adult. The more you talk to your children about bullying, the more comfortable they will be telling you if they see or experience it. Check in with your children daily and ask about their time at school and their activities online, and also about their feelings. Some children may not express their emotions verbally, so you should also look out for any anxious or aggressive behaviour that may indicate something is wrong.

You should also engage your children in open and honest conversations about how to stay safe online. Have an honest dialogue with your children about who they communicate with and how. Make sure they understand the value of kind and supportive interactions and that mean, discriminatory or inappropriate contact is never acceptable. If your children experience any of these, encourage them to tell you or a trusted adult immediately. Be alert if you notice your child becoming withdrawn or upset, or using their device more or less than usual, it could be a sign that they are being bullied online.

It's also important to familiarize yourself with your child's school's safeguarding and bullying policies, as well as the appropriate referral mechanisms and helplines available.

>> Read more about how to keep your child safe online while stuck at home during the COVID-19 outbreak

>> Cyberbullying: What is it and how to stop it

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Supporting your child's mental health during COVID-19 school returns

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The coronavirus outbreak has caused major disruptions to daily life and children are feeling these changes deeply. While the return to school will be not only welcome but exciting for many students, others will be feeling anxious or frightened. Here are tips to help your children navigate some of the complicated emotions they may be facing with going back to school.

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Grounding techniques

Discuss the suggestions with your child and the ones that they like. It is best to practise these techniques when your child is calm and practise them regularly. If the techniques have been regularly practised, then your child is more likely to remember them and use them when they feel intense emotions.

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Back to school: Strategies for coping with feelings

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Discuss the suggestions with your child and the ones that they like. It is best to practise these techniques when your child is calm and practise them regularly. If the techniques have been regularly practised, then your child is more likely to remember them and use them when they feel intense emotions.

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in the UK showed that over half of all 12-15 year olds had experienced some form of bullying over the previous 12 months, and that this had taken place both in school and online. Bullying can happen frequently to children and those who get bullied can often struggle at school, have lower levels of attendance and generally be less happy in the classroom. But in addition to this, the reasons why some children bully others can be complicated and often indicate that the child who is being accused of bullying can be in need of help and support in school too. As schools reopen for all children, this might be a difficult time for many and you might start to see changes in behaviour and demeanour that suggests that school may not be a place where your child feels comfortable. If this sounds like your child, then some of the following suggestions could help:

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Back to School: Exploring some of the hard stuff

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in the UK showed that over half of all 12-15 year olds had experienced some form of bullying over the previous 12 months, and that this had taken place both in school and online. Bullying can happen frequently to children and those who get bullied can often struggle at school, have lower levels of attendance and generally be less happy in the classroom.

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Your child may have got out of a routine for school during the lockdown and may face some challenges in getting back into one.

For example, you may have found that your child had, or has trouble with sleep or you may find that a lack of structure or routine caused a change in their behaviour.

They might seem worried, upset, nervous or fidgety, which is normal given the levels of uncertainty they have had to deal with. In this article, we will set out some of the ways you can address some of these worries moving forward to help your child cope with some of the stressors in their lives.

Look for activities that your child/children would be interested in doing as a whole family. For example, you can look or visit the website of your local council for listings of activities taking place in the local area at a social distance that are free to attend.

Organise family time activities. This could involve games or other activities you can organise and do together, whether it's at the dinner table, on the bedroom floor or while you're taking a walk to the shops. They don't have to require lots of effort to set up, cost lots of money or need technology. See some examples

If your child is in the habit of going to sleep quite late then this may be impacting on them going to school. You may be finding that they are struggling to settle into a sleep routine for school. It can help to discuss bedtimes with your child by allowing for a realistic and gradual change. You could try to settle on a cut-off time of midnight for them getting into bed and then try to work this time backwards slowly. For example, if they tend to stay up very late then encourage them to go to bed 30 minutes earlier. If they usually get into bed at midnight but fall asleep at 1am, then encourage them to get into bed at 11.30 and fall asleep by 12.30. Then the next day, or a few days later, you could encourage them to go to bed another 30 minutes earlier. Keep doing this over a few days and weeks until they are falling asleep at a time that fits with a routine for school. If you are finding that anxiety is meaning you or your child struggles to sleep then there are also things that will help. See guidance for self-care with anxiety from the charity Mind

If you feel you need further support then Barnardo's are here to help. Call our See, Hear, Respond number on 0800 157 7015 or self-refer into the service using this ​​

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Transitioning back to school: Establishing Routines

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Your child may have got out of a routine for school during the lockdown and may face some challenges in getting back into one. We will set out some of the ways you can address some of these worries moving forward to help your child cope with some of the stressors in their lives.

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The variable restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have affected families across the country in a number of ways, including most notably widespread school closures to then reopen in September with new measures in place.

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We use the rainbow to ask the children what number they are

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We use the rainbow to ask the children what number they are

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An excellent resource to help parents look after their child's wellbeing

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An excellent resource to help parents look after their child's wellbeing

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If your child is starting R1 this is their classroom door.

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If your child is starting R2 this is their classroom door.

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If you child is starting R3 this is their classroom door.

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Alternatively, make an appointment with your GP and they can make a referral on your behalf. 

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Alternatively, make an appointment with your GP and they can make a referral on your behalf. 

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You can also make a referral yourself via the CAMHS website 

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You can also make a referral yourself via the CAMHS website 

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CAMHS Self-referral Form for Child/Young Person

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If any of the information that you tell us makes us worried that you are a risk to yourself or other people, or you are at risk from other people, then we would need to link with your parent or carer to talk to them in order to ensure that adults are keeping you safe.

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If your child's mental health deteriorates or you ever need urgent advice you can ring our Crisis Team on 0151 293 3577. They are available 24 hours a day seven days a week.

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If your child's mental health deteriorates or you ever need urgent advice you can ring our Crisis Team on 0151 293 3577. They are available 24 hours a day seven days a week.

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Alder Hey CAMHS videos about managing worry

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Alder Hey CAMHS videos about managing worry

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Press Office | International | | | Donate

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Miss Smitheram reads The Huge Bag of Worries

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Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes - Children's Books Read Aloud | Storytime with Elena

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Mindfulness for Kids - Learning about our thoughts

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Thought Bubbles | Cosmic Kids Zen Den - Mindfulness for kids

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Be the Pond | Mindfulness for Kids | Cosmic Kids Zen Den

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Sesame Street: Common and Colbie Caillat Sing "Belly Breathe" with Elmo

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Take 5 Breathing: A Breathing Exercise for Kids

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Rainbow Breath - Learn To Raise Your Energy | Meditation For Kids | Breathing Exercises | GoNoodle

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What is MINDFULNESS and how do you do it? (Zen Den) | Cosmic Kids

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50things booklet changes  jackie & Rachel (1)

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Is your child due to start Reception in September? Please contact your local children's centre who are offering free fun activity packs & support throughout the summer. Once your child has completed the activities in the pack they will receive a certificate and a star prize!!

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"This project is part of the Liverpool City Region ESF Ways to Work Programme and is part-funded by the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative. The programme aims to support local people into work through job search, coaching and mentoring, work experience, training, skills development and information, advice and guidance "

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Home | County, Fountains, Vauxhall and Walton Children's Centre

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"This project is part of the Liverpool City Region ESF Ways to Work Programme and is part-funded by the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative.

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Covid-19 Social Story - School is Opening       Example 1

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Covid-19 Social Story - School is Opening       Example 1

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COVID-19 Social Story - School is opening    Example 2

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COVID-19 Social Story - School is opening    Example 2

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COVID-19 Social Story - School is opening    Example 3 

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COVID-19 Social Story - School is opening    Example 3 

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Starting School - Parents and Carers Guidance during Covid 19

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Starting School - Parents and Carers Guidance during Covid 19

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Information for residents about Liverpool City Council services including council tax, bins and recycling, schools, leisure, streets and parking.

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Worried about starting secondary school?

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Worried about starting secondary school?

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Here are some tips to help

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Starting secondary school - BBC Bitesize

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All the latest BBC Bitesize content about starting secondary school.

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Managing Your Child's Worry: Bite-size Course

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Managing Your Child's Worry: Bite-size Course

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This bite-size session from MYA will look at what worry is, how it differs from anxiety and why as parents we need to support our children to worry and find effective ways to control worry. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3fGPcD0
Suitable for Y6 classes (could be adapted for use in Y7)

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10 Ways for Parents to Help Their Children with Change

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10 Ways for Parents to Help Their Children with Change

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A resource for parents from Young Minds
Information for settings working with all ages

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Want More School Resources?

Sign up to our free 360° Schools' Community to get free tips, advice and handy resources straight to your inbox.

If your child is transitioning from Year 6 to Year 7 or going through a significant change in their lives, these top 10 tips might be useful for you. Going through change can be scary or challenging for children and young people, but sometimes it's just the small things, like showing interest in your child's hobbies, that can make a difference.

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Find Your Feet: Transition Tips for Parents

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Sign up to our free 360° Schools' Community to get free tips, advice and handy resources straight to your inbox. If your child is transitioning from Year 6 to Year 7 or going through a significant change in their lives, these top 10 tips might be useful for you.

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On Kooth young people will have 24-hour access to self-help materials as well as goal-setting and mood-tracking tools. The online service hosts moderated forums, allowing for peer-to-peer support and interactive messaging with counsellors.
For information see: https://www.liverpoolcamhs.com/support/kooth/
Kooth is for young people between the ages of 10 and 25.

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Kooth is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

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Helping your child with phonics.

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Parent and carers guide to pronouncing phonemes

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Between the ages of four and six, your child's social skills will develop enormously and you might notice that they are starting to have favourite friends.

As they do so, they'll inevitably fall out from time to time, and it can be hard to know when to step in. Read our guide for advice on when to intervene in playground conflicts.
Coping with change
At this age, your child is likely to be facing some major life changes - whether it's starting school and being more independent, or perhaps welcoming a new baby sibling at home.

In the face of all this, structure and routine becomes even more important to them, and they'll need to know that you're available to talk through their experiences and help them make sense of the world.

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Discover CBBC - Child development: your 4-6 year old

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Between the ages of four and six, your child's social skills will develop enormously and you might notice that they are starting to have favourite friends. As they do so, they'll inevitably fall out from time to time, and it can be hard to know when to step in.

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Making friends and developing social skills
You might notice that your child starts to have 'real' friendships for the first time at this age. At around 3-4 years old, children begin playing cooperatively with one another (as opposed to playing alone, or just alongside others).

Your pre-school child still needs lots of support from you to 'play nicely' though, and you may feel like a peacekeeping force at times!
Tantrums
Although we think of tantrums as part of the 'terrible twos', 3 and 4 are still prime tantrum territory! They're a perfectly normal part of life as your children tries to assert control over their own life, and will gradually subside as their communication skills and understanding develop.
Learning to share
When children are very small, they naturally believe that life is all about them, and they're the centre of the universe. It takes time for them to 'get' that give and take is the order of the day, and learning to share is a huge milestone for many children in this age group.

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Time for School - Child development: your 3-4 year old

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Making friends and developing social skills You might notice that your child starts to have 'real' friendships for the first time at this age. At around 3-4 years old, children begin playing cooperatively with one another (as opposed to playing alone, or just alongside others).

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Time for School - Songs: 5. This is the Way

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Rap along to this song about the ways to do things at school.

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Time for School - Songs: 2. Let's Make Friends

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Sing along to this poppy song about making friends at school.

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Join in and jam to this reggae tune all about listening at school.

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Rock out to this catchy song all about getting ready for school.

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In It Together | Returning to School After Lockdown | Twinkl Original Story

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How do I decrease my child's anxiety about starting school?

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After months of being together at home, children and parents will soon have to adapt to life as it returns to the 'new normal.'

Of course, this is likely to be a very difficult time for children - who have become accustomed to new lockdown routines.

For the past few months, children - especially very young ones - have spent every waking minute of the day with their parents.

But now, as schools reopen and adults head back to work, it's important to be aware that this sudden separation from a home environment can make some children incredibly anxious.

Dr Nauf AlBendar, medical scientist and founder of The Womb Effect, says: 'During these unprecedented times we should be extremely mindful on how the pandemic will contribute to the mental wellbeing of children in the long term, as well as potential issues with separation anxiety in the short term when things go back to "normal."

'Separation anxiety disorder can be a cause of concern when it manifests as school refusal, sleep disturbance, excessive distress, physical complaints such as headaches or vomiting when faced with separation. It can also impair social and family relationships.'

But some simple things can be done to help a child through this disruptive period.

Talk to a teacher

In a pre-pandemic world, the longest time children would break from school was the six-week-long summer holiday.

But many will be returning this month (or very soon), after almost three months away from the classroom.

It's unfamiliar territory for both kids and parents.

If a child has experienced separation anxiety before (or is showing signs it could be problem when they go back to school) a good way of preparing is to chat to their teacher beforehand.

Dr Hayley van Zwanenberg, a psychiatrist at the Priory's Wellbeing Centre in Oxford, says: 'The young person can refresh their memory of how they do feel safe and comfortable around that adult [the teacher], too.

'They could even do this over a digital platform to enable some positive interaction if they cannot do it face to face.'

Also, parents could see if there's any flexibility around drop-off and pick-up, to help make a child feel as comfortable as possible.

Dr Nauf AlBendar says: 'Make plans with the teacher to help your child transition to school by arriving early, staying and playing with your child before the bell rings.'

Build a consistent routine

'Routines give a feeling of safety and allow a child to simultaneously build trust and independence,' adds Dr Nauf AlBendar.

Obviously, if a child has gone back to school or a parent has returned to work, then routines will look a little different to how they've been for the past three months.

Any new home routine going forward should be regular - as this will help a child adjust and build trust again.

Dr Nauf AlBendar also stresses that it's important not to put too much into these new regimes - otherwise a child may feel overwhelmed.

She adds: 'Focus on playtime, quiet time and healthy habits such as naps and good sleep hygiene.'

Speak positively

If you approach the change in situation with anxiety, kids are likely to pick up on it.

Child development expert and psychologist Dr. Amanda Gummer says: 'Talk to your children about school in the same way as you do when they are starting a new term or going on a school trip.

'Get them excited about the adventure and all the positive things that they'll experience - seeing friends, playtime and seeing their favourite teachers.'

Role play

A good way to address any problems or anxieties is through play - role play, in particular.

Dr. Amanda Gummer says: 'Role play "schools" with your children and let them lead, being the teacher if they want and letting them take the narrative wherever they want to go, and you can discuss issues as they arise.'

Get them used to different environments

Dr Hayley van Zwanenberg says: 'Parents should encourage their child back into the outside world again as much as possible, within the rules.

'Meet their friends at a park or in a garden and encourage them to run around with their friends at a distance from their parents, so they get used to not always having them at such a close distance.'

After such an intense period, it's also important for parents to try and separate from children from short amounts of time (whenever possible) - as this will prepare children for when they are not around full-time.

Calming techniques

Most kids rely on parents to calm and soothe them in stressful situations - but when they're at school, this isn't possible.

A simple solution could be for parents to teach their children how to calm themselves.

Dr Hayley van Zwanenberg adds: 'If a child can learn to use calming breathing when anxious, they soon learn they can manage their anxiety themselves and bring it down quite easily.'

MORE: How to rent toys to keep bored kids entertained on a budget during lockdown

MORE: Parents love this £7 giant ice cream van that kids can draw over

MORE: Aldi is selling a nest swing for kids and it is perfect for summer

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How parents can help children with separation anxiety as lockdown lifts

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After months of being together at home, children and parents will soon have to adapt to life as it returns to the 'new normal.' Of course, this is likely to be a very difficult time for children - who have become accustomed to new lockdown routines.

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Witnessing a parent in a state of anxiety can be more than just momentarily unsettling for children. Kids look to their parents for information about how to interpret ambiguous situations; if a parent seems consistently anxious and fearful, the child will determine that a variety of scenarios are unsafe. And there is evidence that children of anxious parents are more likely to exhibit anxiety themselves, a probable combination of genetic risk factors and learned behaviors.

It can be painful to think that, despite your best intentions, you may find yourself transmitting your own stress to your child. But if you are dealing with anxiety and start to notice your child exhibiting anxious behaviors, the first important thing is not to get bogged down by guilt. "There's no need to punish yourself," says Jamie Howard, PhD, director of the Stress and Resilience Program at the Child Mind Institute. "It feels really bad to have anxiety, and it's not easy to turn off."

But the transmission of anxiety from parent to child is not inevitable. The second important thing to do is implement strategies to help ensure that you do not pass your anxiety on to your kids. That means managing your own stress as effectively as possible, and helping your kids manage theirs. "If a child is prone to anxiety," Dr. Howard adds, "it's helpful to know it sooner and to learn the strategies to manage sooner."

It can be very difficult to communicate a sense of calm to your child when you are struggling to cope with your own anxiety.

When we are feeling anxious, we start worrying about what might happen in the future - all those "what ifs." To avoid getting caught up in worries about the future, try practicing mindfulness, which is a technique for focusing on the present. Here are two common mindfulness techniques to try:

Squeeze Muscles: Starting at your toes, pick one muscle and squeeze it tight. Count to five. Release, and notice how your body changes. Repeat exercise moving up your body.

Belly Breathing: Put one hand on your stomach and one hand on your chest. Slowly breathe in from your stomach (expand like a balloon) and slowly breathe out (deflate).

You can try to practice mindfulness in the moment when you're feeling anxious, but it is also a good idea to set aside time to be mindful every day. Regular practice will help you use the techniques more effectively when you really need them, and it can also make you feel calmer in general.

Pay attention to what triggers your anxiety. While feeling anxiety is unavoidable sometimes, we can also make it worse by dwelling on it. If you are someone who jumps to the worst-case scenario when you have a tickle in your throat, using WebMD might make you even more alarmed. Likewise, if you are stressed out by what's happening in the news, spending time reading it - or even using social media - might make you feel worse. Setting boundaries about when and how you will engage with things that could trigger your anxiety is a good idea.

If your anxiety is severe and practicing mindfulness and setting boundaries on your own isn't helping, consulting a mental health professional makes sense. A clinician can help you work through methods of stress management that will suit your specific needs. As you learn to tolerate stress, you will in turn be teaching your child - who takes cues from your behavior - how to cope with situations of uncertainty or doubt.

"A big part of treatment for children with anxiety," explains Laura Kirmayer, PhD, a clinical psychologist, "is actually teaching parents stress tolerance. It's a simultaneous process - it's both directing the parent's anxiety, and then how they also support and scaffold the child's development of stress tolerance."

When you learn some strategies for managing stress that work for you, you can then impart them to your child when she is feeling anxious. If, for example, you are working on thinking rationally during times of stress, you can practice those same skills with your child. Say to her: "I understand that you are scared, but what are the chances something scary is actually going to happen?"

Try to maintain a calm, neutral demeanor in front of your child, even as you are working on managing your anxiety. Dr. Howard says, "Be aware of your facial expressions, the words you choose, and the intensity of the emotion you express, because kids are reading you. They're little sponges and they pick up on everything."

While you don't want your child to witness every anxious moment you experience, you do not have to constantly suppress your emotions. It's okay - and even healthy - for children to see their parents cope with stress every now and then, but you want to explain why you reacted in the way that you did.

Let's say, for example, you lost your temper because you were worried about getting your child to school on time. Later, when things are calm, say to her: "Do you remember when I got really frustrated in the morning? I was feeling anxious because you were late for school, and the way I managed my anxiety was by yelling. But there are other ways you can manage it too. Maybe we can come up with a better way of leaving the house each morning."

Talking about anxiety in this way gives children permission to feel stress, explains Dr. Kirmayer, and sends the message that stress is manageable. "If we feel like we have to constantly protect our children from seeing us sad, or angry, or anxious, we're subtly giving our children the message that they don't have permission to feel those feelings, or express them, or manage them," she adds. "Then we're also, in a way, giving them an indication that there isn't a way to manage them when they happen."

Come up with strategies in advance for managing specific situations that trigger your stress. You may even involve your child in the plan. If, for example, you find yourself feeling anxious about getting your son ready for bed by a reasonable hour, talk to him about how you can work together to better handle this stressful transition in the future. Maybe you can come up with a plan wherein he earns points toward a privilege whenever he goes through his evening routine without protesting his bedtime.

These strategies should be used sparingly: You don't want to put the responsibility on your child to manage your anxiety if it permeates many aspects of your life. But seeing you implement a plan to curb specific anxious moments lets him know that stress can be tolerated and managed.

If you know that a situation causes you undue stress, you might want to plan ahead to absent yourself from that situation so your children will not interpret it as unsafe. Let's say, for example, that school drop-offs fill you with anxiety. Eventually you want to be able to take your child to school, but if you are still in treatment, you can ask a co-parent or another trusted adult to handle the drop off. "You don't want to model this very worried, concerned expression upon separating from your children," says Dr. Howard. "You don't want them to think that there's anything dangerous about dropping them off at school."

In general, if you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed with anxiety in the presence of your child, try to take a break. Danielle Veith, a stay-at-home mom who blogs about her struggles with anxiety, will take some time to herself and engage in stress-relieving activities when she starts to feel acutely anxious. "I have a list of to-do-right-this-second tips for dealing with a panic, which I carry with me: take a walk, drink tea, take a bath, or just get out the door into the air," she says. "For me, it's about trusting in the fact that the anxiety will pass and just getting through until it passes."

Trying to parent while struggling with your own mental health can be a challenge, but you don't have to do it alone. There is a lot of support online, on blogs, forums and social media. Getting support from the people in your life is important, too. Those people can be therapists, co-parents, or friends - anyone who will step in when you feel overwhelmed, or even just offer words of support. "I am a part of an actual support group, but I also have a network of friends," says Veith. "I am open with friends about who I am, because I need to be able to call on them and ask for help. "

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How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids - Child Mind Institute

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Witnessing a parent in a state of anxiety can be more than just momentarily unsettling for children. Kids look to their parents for information about how to interpret ambiguous situations; if a parent seems consistently anxious and fearful, the child will determine that a variety of scenarios are unsafe.

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Great tips for parents about children starting school.  No need to send a change of clothes though.

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Great tips for parents about children starting school.  No need to send a change of clothes though.

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STARTING NURSERY SCHOOL UK | RECEPTION CLASS UK | BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS AND TRICKS 2019

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Topsy And Tim - First Day At School - CBeebies