How to help anxious children return to school

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Are kids ready to return to school or are they still worried about possible violence? And how do parents cope with that?

With violence in schools making headlines across the country, experts say kids are feeling anxious about their return to school. So are parents and educators. But Psychologist Dr. Jaime Huysman with WellMed said it's more important than ever to not project those fears.

"If they're fearful, if they're overwhelmed, if they're on one leg, that's going to pass down and the children are always watching and the children are always learning," Huysman said. "So if you're a parent, get vulnerable, get honest, and really get purposeful with your child and listen to them in an intimate way."

Instead of passing fears down to their children, Dr. Huysman said parents should introduce ways to manage negative emotions - things like breathing exercises and therapy. He says parents should be vulnerable with their kids and willing to listen.

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