Here’s what kids are most anxious about when it comes to school

The thing that stresses students out the most when it comes to school is obvious — so why is it still such a problem? A recent study surveyed over 400 parents, and 53% said homework and schoolwork was the biggest worry for their children, and the biggest cause of their persistent anxiety.

School and schoolwork are probably synonymous at this point, which might be why people don’t think of it as an extraneous stress factor. It comes with the territory, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t something we should be concerned about when students are reporting that it’s the thing they’re most dreading about going back to the hallways and lockers.

CNN reporter Kelly Wallace discovered just this when she dropped by a summer camp to ask kids about the upcoming year. When she mentioned what they might be anxious about, some responded with their teachers, others it was about friends, but the general response was overwhelmingly one thing. Carina said:

Sidney said something similar:

Both William and Charles said the same thing:

And:

Same with Maia and Keira:

A little bit of anxiety is good — normal, even! But how can you tell if you’re experiencing so much stress that it’s detrimental to your health? Linda Esposito is a social worker and psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, and her approach is usually to turn to the parents. Her major theory is that if “you have more pronounced anxiety in children, it’s usually because there’s an anxiety issue with the parent.”

What’s most important in all of this is communication. Communicate with your teacher if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and communicate with your parents if you’re feeling pressured. Everybody is striving for the best possible outcome, but sometimes the individual methods don’t match. Work together, and if you need more help, swing by your guidance counselor’s office to get some objective advice. You’re gonna nail this year!

(Image via iStockPhoto.)