Back-to-school jitters? Proactive support for your child can help conquer the fears

It might just be a case of the butterflies, but where it’s more than that, parents must be empowered to address the child’s concerns.

Parents play a crucial role in their child’s emotional and mental well-being. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
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I had the opportunity to provide support to student J who sought school counselling after experiencing a panic attack during his first month as a freshman in the institution where I worked. His lecturer contacted his parents to ensure he was safely taken home.

This episode came as a surprise to his parents, as they described J as a confident and successful student during his time in secondary school. They had not anticipated that he would face difficulties adjusting to a new learning environment.

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