Seven weeks of never having to be anywhere in particular at a specific time can feel like bliss in contrast to timetables and school bells.
For harassed parents however, it can be a very different story. Taking time off, digging deep for treats and activities while keeping all the other balls in the air can leave many parents struggle with finding affordable activities to keep their children amused, especially when it’s pouring outside.
Even in the 21st century and despite all the progress that has been made in the last couple of decades, it can still be really stressful to juggle work and home and achieve that famous work life balance.
For these parents, the summer holidays can feel really long so it’s no surprise that some feel relieved when the middle of August rolls around.
On the other hand, many young people, dread going back to school and drag their heels on their way through those school gates.
While this dread can be a natural and understandable reaction to coming to the end of a seven week holiday, sometimes it can be the sign of something that needs more attention.
Maybe your little one is just starting at school or maybe they are moving up from primary to secondary school?
Maybe there are some issues left over from last year that haven’t been dealt with?
Sometimes, there are issues which just need a little time, awareness and understanding.
There are some cases however, where young people may experience more serious anxiety and stress and in extreme cases, this has the potential to blow up into full- blown phobia. This can come out in all sorts of different ways, some children and young people complain of headaches, stomach problems and feeling sick while some become withdrawn and moody. If attention is not paid at this stage, a small number go on to develop school phobia where getting them to go to school at all becomes more and more difficult. With tears and tantrums becoming a regular part of the day for distressed parents and young people alike.
This phobia is only present in a small percentage of children and young people, but, if it is your child or young person who is displaying signs of extreme stress and anxiety, the sooner you seek advice and help, the smaller the problem is likely to be.
The most important thing that we can do for our children is to let them know that they are being listened to and understood and that there is someone they can trust to help them with their anxieties and fears.
Parents are best placed to offer all of that but sometimes, it can help to talk to someone else.
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Don’t agonise...Orrganise.