5 Ways to Help Your Child Manage Back to School Anxiety
As summer winds down and the school bells start ringing again, many families find themselves juggling school supplies, bedtime routines, and packed lunches. But amid the hustle and bustle of a new school year, it’s important not to overlook one key element: your child’s mental and emotional well-being. The transition back to school can bring excitement for some, but for many children, it can also bring stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.
Keep in mind, you are your child’s emotional anchor. The way you respond to their fears, frustrations, or hesitations sets the tone for how safe and supported they feel. As a parent or caregiver, your patience, understanding, and encouragement can make all the difference.
While it's normal for children to have some nerves about returning to school, there are red flags that may suggest deeper concerns, such as anxiety or depression. Keep an eye out for:
· Lack of motivation or struggling to get out of bed in the morning
· Frequent complaints of stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause
· Irritability or mood swings that seem out of character
· Avoidance of school or refusal to attend
· Withdrawal from friends or activities they previously enjoyed
· Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
If your child continues to struggle emotionally, is avoiding school, or you're feeling unsure about how to help, you're not alone. Therapy can provide children (and families) with tools to manage big emotions, navigate change, and build confidence from the inside out.
At KY Counseling Partners LLC, we’re here to walk alongside your family during every season, school transitions included.
You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment, get more resources, or speak with one of our therapists, reach out to us anytime.
Here are some therapist-approved suggestions parents can use to help children manage back-to-school stress:
1. Create a Predictable Routine
Children feel safer when they know what to expect. Start the school-year routine (bedtimes, wake-ups, meals) a week or two early to ease the adjustment.
2. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Teach your child to notice and challenge negative thoughts like “I can’t do this” with affirmations like “I can try my best” or “I’m getting stronger every day.”
3. Normalize Their Feelings
Let your child know that it’s okay to feel nervous, sad, or overwhelmed. Avoid dismissing their feelings, instead, say things like, “It’s okay to feel that way. Let’s talk about it together.”
4. Incorporate Daily Coping Tools
Introduce short, simple tools your child can use:
Deep breathing (like blowing up an imaginary balloon)
Drawing or journaling about their feelings
Listening to calming music
Using a fidget toy for focus and grounding
5. Create a Back-to-School Plan
Discuss with your child what to expect, who their teacher is, where their classroom will be, how drop-off works. If possible, visit the school beforehand to help reduce uncertainty.