Back to School Advice for Kids With Eczema

Going back to school can be a difficult adjustment for just about any kid. Gone are the summer nights and days filled with fun in the sun. And welcome is the new school year and all the opportunities and growth to come. However, this transition can be especially challenging for children with eczema. Patients may feel anxiety towards upcoming social situations or a variety of other circumstances. To lessen the mental burden, I’ve compiled a few pieces of back to school advice for kids that are currently apprehensive about what the new year has to bring.

Start your day on the right foot

If your skin feels good, then you’ll feel good and have the confidence to tackle the day ahead. As much as it might be a pain to go through your morning skincare routine — don’t fight it. I understand that it can be frustrating to follow the regiment, but at the end of the day, you’ll be happy you did. The older I get, the more I realize the importance of starting the day off on the right foot.

Become an ally with your teachers

Your teachers aren’t psychic. As much as you’d like to believe they are, they only know as much as you’re willing to share with them. I know it can be tough to share your health condition with another person, but teachers have your best interest in mind. If they know what you’re dealing with on a personal level, they will be sure to keep your situation in mind so they can create the best possible learning experience for you.

Explain your condition to your friends

Just as your teachers are allies, so are your best friends. I like to see friends as people who will have your back no matter what—regardless of what others think of you. Friends don’t judge you for your skin, your hobbies, or the clothes you wear. They judge you for you; your personality and the joy you bring to their lives. With that being said, if you’re having a tough time with your skin or mentally dealing with the challenges it brings to the table, let them know! They’ll be there to support you.

Remember, kids don’t know any better

School-aged children can be mean for absolutely no reason. During that particular stage of development, kids don’t necessarily understand the gravity of their words and actions. And, they often make up their mind solely on information that their peers or adults extend to them. My advice—don’t take what they say to heart. As an elementary school student, I was frequently bullied by an older kid in my class. Sure, it was very upsetting at the time, but as an adult, I’ve found those experiences to be inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. If anything, it helped lay the groundwork for coping mechanisms I'd later use in life.

In parting, I’ll leave you with one last piece of advice: Have fun. The new school year will be what you make of it. So start it off with a bang.