Nine-Year-Old’s Daily Stomachaches After Summer Break Reveal Four Ways to Ease School Anxiety

A nine-year-old boy who had been disciplined and doing well in school began complaining of stomach pain every day after summer vacation. He stopped eating breakfast, struggled to concentrate in class and refused to do his homework at home.

His parents sought help at Taichung Hospital, where clinical psychologist Chang Li-hsin said the disruption caused by family travel and extracurricular classes can make it difficult for children to readjust when school resumes. Other children have reported anxiety, crying, low mood, headaches, stomachaches and loss of appetite.

Chang offered four ways for parents to help: tell children in advance that school is approaching, reset their school-day routines, help them become familiar with the environment before classes begin, and encourage them not to avoid school after the term starts.

She also said parents need to maintain a normal daily rhythm and manage their own stress. They can use leisure activities to relax and seek support from teachers, school counselors or medical professionals. If a child remains anxious, depressed or emotionally unstable, parents can consult a clinical psychologist or a psychiatric specialist.

Taichung Hospital’s pediatric department and clinical psychology center run a parenting consultation service called “Growing Up With You.” Taiwan’s Health and Welfare Ministry also offers people aged 15 to 45 three free counseling sessions each year.