Anxiety is a subjective sense of worry, apprehension, and fear. It is considered to be the number one health problem in America. Although quite common, anxiety disorders in children are often misdiagnosed and overlooked. Everyone feels fear, worry, and apprehension from time to time, but when these feelings prevent a person from doing what he or she wants or needs to do, anxiety becomes a disability. Below are a few tips for dealing with an anxious child:
- Genuinely accept your child's concerns.
- Listen to your child's perceptions and gently correct information.
- Patiently encourage your child to approach a feared situation one step at a time until it becomes familiar and manageable.
- Build your child's personal strengths.
- Help your child organize their school materials for the next day the night before.
- Allow and encourage your child to do things on his or her own.
- Try not to pass your own fears onto your child.
- Have reasonable expectations.
Nurse Jessica
Students miss school for many reasons. Missing for any reason makes it harder for them to be successful. In fact, an average of two absences a month as early as kindergarten, makes it less likely your student will graduate from high school. Even if your child has a chronic health condition, your school nurse is available to provide medical support throughout the day.
Of course, if your child has a fever or is actively vomiting, please keep him/her home. Don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance. Attendance does matter!
Jessica Floyd, RN BSN,
Barfield Elementary School Nurse,
615-904-3810 x 22521