Stressed about school? You’re not alone. In fact, we know just about everyone has a few worries about getting back in the swing of things, especially after so many of you readers told us about them. Here are some of the biggie anxieties, along with suggestions for surviving them.
MEAN TEACHERS
We’ve all had them. But the situation usually works both ways, says Erika S., a freshman at Francis W. Parker School in Chicago. “Think about what you’re doing to them,” she points out. “Are they really being mean or trying to help you?”
If you’re sure they’re really on your case, then be shrewd about handling it. “You get more with honey than vinegar,” says Antoinette Saunders. She is a clinical and child psychologist in Wilmette and author of “The Stress-Proof Child.” “So always be positive and respectful. Then try to figure out how to turn the situation around.”
For example, if the teacher picks on you for doing a crummy job on your homework, “act rather than react,” Saunders suggests. “Ask if you can take another stab at it tonight, or do something else to make it up.”
BAD BUS RIDES
Everybody gets ragged sometime on the ride to school. “Don’t get unglued,” says Lauren T. The junior at Lincoln Park High School in Chicago remembers those days herself. “Act like it doesn’t affect you, because if you let kids know they’re getting to you, they’ll do it more.”
Also, Lauren suggests, stay away from the people who are a problem, or sit near the driver until you can scope out everyone.
It also helps to stand up for yourself against bullies. If someone zings you with a stupid insult (like “you’re such a zeke”), think of a positive response (“that may be your opinion, but Jenny, Josh and Katie don’t think so”).
But if your bus is a combat zone, you have to take steps, Saunders says. “The bus driver should be on top of things. If not, tell your parents and have them get involved.”
HEAVY HOMEWORK
If the whole class is complaining and can’t keep up, then it’s a real problem and you should all get together and talk to your counselor. But if other kids are churning it out, then get it together. “Be realistic about what it takes, put aside the time, and don’t watch television until it’s done,” Erika says. Lauren adds: “And don’t do it at the last minute, like in study hall the period before it’s due. You’ll freak out from the pressure and it won’t get finished.”
NEW SCHOOL
New beginnings aren’t always easy. If you’re new and don’t know a soul, don’t panic. There are lots of other kids in the same boat, so be observant, Saunders says. Notice who’s all alone at lunch, or who seems to have the same style you do, and introduce yourself.
It always helps to get to school early, Saunders points out, so you can scope out the scene and figure out which kids you want to get to know.
Activities are another way to get in the groove of the school, Lauren says. “So go to everything that’s offered and sounds interesting. Even if you decide not to stick with it, you’ll meet a few kids just checking it out.”
BEING LIKED
Everyone, absolutely everyone, wants to be liked, so don’t sweat this one – just (yeah, you know it) be yourself. It sounds way too simple, but “it’s the only way to go,” Lauren says. Erika adds: “Keeping up an act is stupid since people can tell if you’re being fake or just trying to be cool.”
But if being yourself doesn’t win you any friends, it’s a problem you have to work on. “Ask yourself if you’re being a good person to others by showing a genuine interest in them,” Saunders says. And remember this big tip from Saunders: Being a good listener is a crucial part of being a good friend.
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WHY ANXIETY?
Take it from a guy who says he’s psyched.
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