School is beginning! How to get rid of "new school syndrome"

        Happy times always pass very quickly. With the summer vacation coming to an end, are the children at home ready to welcome the new semester? This issue of "health column" specially invites psychiatrists to teach 5 tips to accompany children to bid farewell to "school start syndrome".

        From a relaxed and stress-free life during the holidays to a regular and controlled work and rest, it tests the adaptability of every child and family. Some children happily welcome school, while others may face separation anxiety from their families, unfinished summer homework, inadequate school supplies, inability to adjust their biological clocks, difficulty separating from their beloved computer games, heavy schoolwork, and interpersonal problems. Parents and teachers are required to help.

        Understanding "new school syndrome"

        "School start syndrome" is not a formal diagnosis. It is mainly caused by changes in mood and behavior at the end of the holiday and the beginning of the new semester, which then lead to troubles. Clinically, it is closer to the adjustment disorder caused by the start of school.

        ◆ what are the symptoms of "school start syndrome"?

        ★ psychological symptoms: nervous, uneasy and bothered about school related affairs; The most important is panic, worry, and even depression.

        ★ behavioral symptoms: the mild ones are avoidance of school related affairs, transient attention and forgetfulness; The emphasis is on resistance to school, insomnia, loss of appetite, etc. younger children may become crying, irritable, do not want to leave adults (separation anxiety), degenerate behavior, etc., while older children may become irritable, impatient, and antagonistic.

        ★ physiological symptoms: chest tightness, palpitation, headache, stomachache, diarrhea, hand shaking, etc.

        ◆ who is prone to "school start syndrome"?

        ★ there was a history of rejection / fear of learning in the past.

        ★ personal characteristics: sensitive personality, easy to worry, anxious and nervous, pessimistic, nihilistic, prone to escape when encountering pressure, afraid of challenges, etc.

        ★ environmental factors: schoolwork pressure, interpersonal problems, bullying problems, lack of sense of achievement at school.

        ★ specific mental diagnosis: such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, anxiety, depression, Internet game addiction, etc.

        Generally speaking, if the symptoms are not serious, most children can gradually step onto the normal track after a week or two of adjustment under the gentle and firm encouragement of adults and assistance in establishing the normal track of life. If the child continues to be unable to adjust, or even has increasingly serious symptoms, such as serious emotional distress, affecting learning, and unable to complete the school schedule regularly, it is necessary to go to the "children's mental (psychiatric) department" for consultation, assess whether there are other psychological diseases or difficulties, and further discuss treatment strategies and assistance programs.

        Help children through the chaotic period of the beginning of school

        It is recommended to refer to the following methods to accompany children to relieve the pressure in the early period of school.

        ◆ adjust work and rest

        One or two weeks before the start of school, slowly help the children return to their normal work and rest. For example, discuss with children in advance, gradually reduce the time to watch TV and play video games, and agree on the time to go to bed and get up, which is really implemented.

        ◆ arrange the gathering activities

        The children who regularly go to the parental care class in the summer vacation are more orderly in their work and rest, and there are fewer parts that need to be adjusted; If the summer vacation is completely off, or if children refuse to go to the parental care class at the beginning of the holiday, they need to spend more time on adapting to school. It is recommended to arrange reading time for parents and children, or spend an hour every day reviewing the lessons of last semester, and do some exercises. In addition, children can also have expectations and psychological preparations for the new semester by reorganizing the study, cleaning school bags, uniforms, shoes, buying stationery, school supplies, and marking the beginning of last semester on the calendar. For children who are less confident and eager to go to school, they can arrange for familiar classmates to travel, and increase their motivation to go to school with the support of their peers.

        ◆ assist in completing summer homework

        Although there are not many summer homework for children nowadays, the styles of homework are becoming more and more diverse. It may be necessary to prepare in advance or adults to help search for information. It is recommended that you check your progress two weeks in advance. If you find that your child can't do it independently, you can discuss strategies and steps together and help complete the homework.

        ◆ discuss the worries and expectations for the start of school

        Before the start of school, it is advisable to discuss with children their views and expectations for the new semester, understand their worries about school and learning, formulate solutions and implementation strategies, provide comfort and emotional support, and evaluate whether they can help solve them.

        ◆ special problem solving and preparation

        If the child has a special mental condition, it is recommended to return to the clinic to discuss with the doctor, and communicate with the school and the tutor in advance, so that the teacher can master it in advance and give necessary assistance.

        Each child's adjustment to the start of school varies according to his or her personal characteristics, school adaptability, interpersonal relationships and family support. However, with the stable and strategic support of parents, I believe it can build up a sufficient sense of security for children and help them start school smoothly and happily.