Helping Students Navigate School Stress and Build Confidence 

School can bring plenty of excitement, but it can also come with stress. A difficult class, making friends, fitting in or simply keeping up with everyday expectations can feel daunting for students. 

Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA) school counselor Rene Martinez-Monfort encourages families to remember that some anxiety is a natural part of growing up. Rather than trying to eliminate those feelings, parents can help students learn how to work through them and build confidence along the way 

One way to start is by using positive self-talk. When students find themselves focused on what might go wrong on any given school day, parents can remind them of challenges they’ve already overcome. Building confidence doesn’t mean believing things will always be easy. It means recognizing that you can handle difficult moments when they come. 

Parents can also pay attention to how their child responds to stress over time. Worry surrounding a big test, presentation or competition may come and go, but lasting changes in mood, eating or sleeping habits or persistent worry may signal that it’s time for a deeper conversation or additional support 

Above all, parents don’t have to solve every problem. Listening, observing and keeping communication open can make a meaningful difference. 

Finding the right learning environment can, too. Some students thrive in busy school hallways, while others may feel more comfortable learning from home, participating in online discussions or having more control over their learning environment. 

There is no single school setting that works best for every student. The goal is finding an environment where your child can learn, grow and feel supported. 

For families exploring whether online learning could be the right fit, learn more about VSVA and enrollment opportunities for Tennessee students: vsva.k12.com/enrollment 

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