Does your kid dread the start of the school week? Are they fine on Saturday night, but Sunday night sees them worried and whimpering? If so, they might be dealing with the “Sunday Scaries.” The end of the weekend and the start of a new week of school can be a lot for a kid to deal with, and they can easily get overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety and worry. And the Sunday Scaries aren’t just for kids– it’s a pattern of anxious feelings that can impact us grownups, too! So today, let’s take a look at the Sunday Scaries and see how we can help our kiddos overcome them.
Why Is Sunday Scary?
It’s no secret that kids today are feeling more anxious than ever before, and the Sunday Scaries may have something to do with that. But even kids who aren’t normally anxious can still feel a foreboding sense of gloom and doom before going back to school on Monday. Imagine being a kid again to see why. You get home from school on Friday, and because you are a child and time feels stretched out, it seems as if you have a world of freedom ahead of you. The weekend means possibilities; it means freedom and fun. But then, as the sun sets on Sunday, a subtle shift occurs. Suddenly, the carefree atmosphere is tinged with a sense of unease, a knot of anxiety that tightens in your stomach. These are the Sunday Scaries.
For many kids, the Sunday Scaries manifest as a mixture of emotions – anticipation, dread, and apprehension all rolled into one. Monday morning is a looming threat of obligations, responsibilities, and uncertainties. Thoughts swirl in kids’ minds: Will I finish my homework on time? What if I have a test I’m not prepared for? Will my friends still want to play with me?
The Sunday Scaries aren’t just about the academic or social aspects of school; they’re about what school represents. A routine they didn’t choose, learning information they didn’t choose, and not having a choice in leaving home. For a lot of kids, it feels like the weekends are their time– the place where they can express their choices and autonomy. School takes that away from them. For other kids who experience the Sunday Scaries, the problem lies with the separation from the comfort of home and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Even for the most resilient of children, the transition from the freedom of the weekend to the structure of the school week can be jarring and anxiety-inducing.
Is My Child Dealing with the Sunday Scaries?
Now, it’s important to remember that kids are still learning how to process their emotions and have lots of big feelings about many different things. An upset child on Sunday might not be feeling anxious about school! There’s lots of other things they may be concerned about, like conflict with a friend or sibling.
The best way to find out if your child is going through the Sunday Scaries? Talk to them! Just sit down and have a frank, honest conversation. Start by inviting them to share– think along the lines of “Hey, kiddo! You seem a little anxious. Are you worried about school next week?” Then, actively listen to what they have to say. It might take some time to get them to open up about their big, unsettling feelings, but once they know you’re safe to talk to and understanding, you can start solving the problem together.
Tips For Helping Kids Through the Sunday Scaries
So what can you do to help kids through their anxiety? Here are some of our best tips for talking to kids about school anxiety.
Foster Open Communication About Feelings
Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings. Encourage them to talk about what’s causing their anxiety and validate their emotions without judgment. Kids need reassurance that it’s normal to feel anxious or nervous about returning to school after the weekend. Share your own experiences of dealing with similar emotions and reassure them that they’re not alone.
Build A Fun Routine
Kids thrive on routines, so creating a routine that’s both enjoyable and relaxing can make Sunday night something to look forward to, not to fear. Engage in calming and enjoyable activities on Sundays to help your child unwind and alleviate stress. This could include family movie nights, outdoor adventures, or creative projects that allow them to express themselves. And make sure the routine involves anticipating school! Be sure to include activities such as setting out clothes for the next day, packing school bags, and reviewing schedules. Also make sure that the routine prioritizes self-care. A Sunday night routine should emphasize the importance of getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
Create A Support Network
Foster connections with teachers, counselors, and other trusted adults who can offer guidance and support to your child. Knowing that they have someone to turn to can help alleviate anxiety and build resilience. If the Sunday Scaries are really bad, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide tools and strategies tailored to your child’s specific needs. If your child’s anxiety persists or significantly impacts their daily functioning, professional help can make a huge difference.
That’s where we come in! Here at Love Heal Grow, we focus on helping people of all ages explore their emotions and build confidence and resilience. Our solutions to the Sunday Scaries involve compassionate, therapeutic approaches that can resonate with kids of all ages. Schedule with us today if your child is struggling with the Sunday Scaries.
