As summer winds down, families are preparing for the new school year. For many children and teens, back-to-school is an exciting time filled with new opportunities. However, for others, it brings a wave of anxiety-worries about new teachers, social challenges, fitting in, and adjusting to a structured routine. Experiencing anxiety around this transition is completely normal, but it’s important to support children in moving forward. Avoiding school or delaying the return only increases their fears and stress.
This article outlines how parents can help ease the transition, recognize signs of excessive anxiety, and guide their children-especially teens-in building strong self-care habits to handle stress throughout the school year.
Preparing for Back-to-School
After a more relaxed summer, adjusting to earlier bedtimes, regular meals, and reduced screen time will help your child physically prepare for the school day. Engage them in typical back-to-school activities like shopping for supplies or organizing clothes to foster a sense of readiness.
If children have been less socially active during the summer, try to arrange low-pressure social time with friends or classmates. Outdoor playdates without intense supervision allow kids to reconnect naturally. For older children and teens, social worries can feel especially daunting. Listening empathetically and reminding them there will be many familiar faces around can provide comfort. It’s okay to feel nervous, and these feelings usually get easier over time.
Recognizing Signs of Back-to-School Anxiety
Be observant for physical and emotional indicators that your child might be struggling:
- Mood changes such as irritability or defiance
- Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or fatigue
- Physical complaints like stomach aches, headaches, or dizziness
These symptoms often appear on Sunday evenings or Monday mornings when school is looming. Kids may not have the words to express anxiety, and teens are often reluctant to admit their worries. Providing a patient, understanding space for them to share their feelings is crucial. If anxiety persists or worsens, seeking support from a mental health professional is highly encouraged. Anxiety is very treatable, and early intervention helps children thrive academically and socially.
Anu Chahauver, MSW, RSW is a registered social worker / psychotherapist specializing in individual, family, couple and parent based treatment of anxiety and other concerns at our clinic.
Your Therapy is a safe, welcoming, counselling therapy practice in the Greater Toronto Area. Thanks for reading and, as always, please feel free to reach out with questions about therapy or other mental health issues.
