This article is part of the following topics:   Anxiety & Stress Back to School Middle School Talking With Your Child About School

Kids Can Manage Anxieties With Goals and Organization

They worry about making friends and what to wear. They stress over homework and grades. Without help, middle school students can worry themselves sick.

To help a child better cope with her worries:

• Listen to your child. Determine what concerns her the most.

• Help your child identify what she can control, and what she can’t. She can’t control her height, for instance. But she can set a goal to improve a grade.

• Help your child get organized. See that she has a quiet study area and academic planner. Show her how to schedule her time and file school papers.

• Ask questions that help your child solve problems. “What steps can you take?” “What might you do differently?”

• Put things in perspective. Help your child focus on what’s good, not just on what’s wrong. Talk about worries you have overcome.

• Help your child stay healthy. See that she eats well and gets plenty of rest and exercise.

• Follow your instincts. If your child seems overstressed, talk to her teachers. Get counseling, tutoring or other needed help.

• Keep an eye out for issues that affect middle schoolers. Ask your librarian for helpful books.
  

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