4 Ways to Stop Parental Anxiety
Do you worry about your child going to school? As a concerned parent, it’s normal to be nervous when your child starts school. It’s also common to worry about your child when a new school year starts. But when does worry give way to anxiety?
I’m professional school assembly presenter Joe Romano. For 30+ years, I’ve performed amazing and fun educational school assemblies on math, science, reading, character education, and more. Each month I write articles like this one to help busy parents and school administrators.
Parental anxiety is rising. When you think about it, it’s no surprise. After navigating a pandemic and deep, deep political divide, many people of all ages suffer from anxiety. And parents suffer because they wonder how safe their children will be any time, they walk out the door.
The good news? There are simple techniques you can use to reduce your feelings of anxiety. Best of all, these techniques are simple, fast, highly effective, and (dare I say it) fun. Let’s get started…
Stop Parental Anxiety Tip #1: Find Support
This is the easiest and most practical. Curiously, it’s the one tip that many parents are reluctant to seek out. In the United States, there is still the backward belief that any time we struggle with a personal problem, we have to ‘go it alone.’
Other countries don’t share this belief. They’ve figured out something many Americans have yet to accept. It’s impossible to handle all of life’s challenges alone and remain sane!
We are a social species. Seeking out comfort and support from those in the same boat as us is normal. If you’re suffering from parental anxiety, talk to the administrators at your school. Reach out to PTA/PTO members. If you’re not a member of your school’s PTA/PTO, join now. With their help, you’ll likely find a support group very quickly.
Stop Parental Anxiety Tip #2: Learn About Children
Children don’t come with instruction manuals. Many first-time parents are simply told, “You’ll figure it out” when they question their ability to parent their child. But it’s perfectly okay to admit you need something more.
Take classes about child development. Learn what makes children ‘tick.’ By learning what’s going on with your child, you’ll save yourself a great deal of stress. Knowledge goes a long way toward easing stress.
There’s another upside to learning about child development. You’ll have a much better understanding of your child. That way, if something seems ‘off,’ you’ll be in a much better position to understand what’s happening and when you should seek help with your child.
Stop Parental Anxiety Tip #3: Self Care
Are you taking care of yourself? Many people do not, to say nothing of parents. People often push themselves further than they should. They work long hours. They run themselves ragged going from appointment to appointment.
When we push ourselves without rest, the body begins to break down. It’s the accumulated stress taking its toll. To combat this, make time for yourself.
Self-care starts with getting proper sleep. But it needs to go further. Proper nutrition and periodic checkups with your doctor help too. Practice stress-reduction techniques. Take time for yourself.
Stop Parental Anxiety Tip #4: Professional Help
Sometimes anxiety gets out of control. Some of us have a hard time dealing with it. It begins to impact our daily lives, even in moments of calm. If this sounds like you, seek professional help.
This help can be counseling. Many times, we bottle up what we are worried about. We don’t tell anyone how we feel. The result? That stress has to go somewhere. It begins to affect our bodies. It becomes harder to concentrate. By talking to a trained professional, we can get the help and guidance we need. Plus, it just helps to talk to someone and get things off our chest.
For some people, professional help may take the form of medication. Despite the stigma surrounding mental health care in the United States, there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting help if you cannot handle life’s challenges on your own.
By asking for – and getting – help, you’ll be in a much better position to give your child the care and guidance they need.
Help Your Entire School
Parents aren’t the only ones who may suffer from anxiety. School life can be very stressful for kids. Want to help your child’s entire school? Check out my character education school assembly “The Magic in You.” With lessons on respect, responsibility, and more, it’s guaranteed to be the assembly highlight of your school year! Contact me today for more information.
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