Tips for coping with back-to-school anxiety

In this WGN9 segment, Dr. Ellen Astrachan-Fletcher shares how caregivers can ease their child's back-to-school anxiety and discusses times of transition; building routines; normal nerves vs. something more concerning; and easing caregiver anxiety. Dr. Astrachan-Fletcher highlights the difference between not wanting to go to school and school refusal - when there's a regular, consistent refusal or acting out (being sent home). She notes school refusal can be a bigger problem connected to depression, anxiety, or trauma and free assessments are available via our website.