Coping with Back to School Anxiety

Chapters Family Treatment Center
6 days ago
2 min read

As summer winds down and the school year approaches, many children experience a mix of emotions. Excitement, curiosity, and even nervousness are normal—but for some kids, the transition can bring significant anxiety. As a parent, knowing how to support your child through this time can make all the difference.

Back-to-school anxiety can stem from various concerns: new teachers, unfamiliar classmates, academic pressure, or even just the change in routine. Younger children may worry about separating from parents, while older children might fear social rejection or academic failure.

Signs your child might be struggling include:

Trouble sleeping
Irritability or frequent meltdowns
Physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches
Avoidance of school-related conversations
Excessive worry about appearance or fitting in

How You Can Help

Here are some practical ways you can ease your child’s transition:

Open the Conversation Early

Start talking about school well before the first day. Ask open-ended questions like, “What are you looking forward to?” and “Is there anything that’s making you nervous?”

Establish a Routine

Consistency helps children feel secure. Begin transitioning to a school-year sleep schedule, mealtime structure, and homework routine at least a week before school starts.

Visit the School Together

If possible, take a walk through the campus. Show them where their classroom will be, where they’ll eat lunch, and where the bathrooms are. Familiarity helps reduce fear.

Practice Coping Strategies

Teach your child calming techniques like deep breathing, visualizing a safe place, or using a stress ball. Encourage them to express their feelings through drawing or journaling.

Normalize Their Feelings

Let your child know that feeling anxious is completely normal and that they’re not alone. Share your own childhood experiences to validate their emotions.

Reach Out for Support When Needed

If your child’s anxiety becomes overwhelming or interferes with daily life, professional support may be necessary.

Accessing Mental Health Resources

At Chapters Family Treatment Center, we offer a range of child and adolescent mental health services, including therapy tailored to anxiety, school-related stress, and transitions. Our compassionate professionals are trained to support children and families through life’s challenges.

Whether you’re looking for:

Individual counseling
Family therapy
School-related behavioral support

Chapters is here to help. Visit chapterstreatment.com to learn more about our programs or call now to speak to a mental health professional about your concerns 818-741-1119.

Back-to-school anxiety is common—but it doesn’t have to define your child’s experience. With a mix of patience, preparation, and support, you can help them feel confident and ready for a new year of learning and growth.