Advice on ways to reduce back-to-school anxiety

For some students, the return to school is an exciting time but for others it can cause feelings of anxiety and panic.

Students in thefour new anglophone districts will return to classon Wednesday as teachers will be participating in a professional development day on Tuesday, which is normally planned for October

Allen Marr, a psychologist for the Anglophone East School District, has advice for anxious parents and students.

"It's really important at school, not to cling and hug and show your emotionality because that increases the fear of the child and it's important to separate quickly, in that case, or pass them off to a teacher," says Marr.

Hesays if students have had challenges in the past, they can be more anxious about the new year. In that case,he encourages students and parents to reach out.

"Get to know the guidance counsellor, get to know the principal, get to know the resource teacher and above all, get to know the secretary who can make all those connections," he says.

Marr adds everyone copes better with anxiety when they've gotten a good night's sleep.

He reminds parents that younger children need10 hours of rest per night.

Marr also suggests keeping distractions, such asvideo games and cellphones, out of the bedrooms of older students.