Navigating Back-to-School Anxiety: A Parent's Guide

School transitions, whether to a new classroom or school, can cause some jitters and may be especially difficult for children who are already anxious. In this article we offer some tips on supporting your child in the back-to-school season and easing their transition to a new grade, classroom, teacher, and/or school.

I. Understanding Your Child's Anxiety

Children may experience generalized anxiety about returning to school as there are many unknowns with a new school year. Your child may worry, Who will I sit with? What will my teacher(s) be like? And so on. If your child has social anxiety, they may worry especially about interactions with new peers and teachers. Parents are encouraged to have open conversations with their child and ask about their fears or worries about the new school year or the first week of school. Be sure to validate your child’s feelings when they share.

II. Establishing a Positive Mindset

Promote a positive mindset around the upcoming school year by helping your child brainstorm aspects of school they look forward to (e.g., seeing friends, a certain class or sport, recess). Let your child help pick their school supplies (e.g., notebook in their favorite color or a fun pen).

III. Familiarizing Your Child with the School Environment

If your child is starting at a new school, arrange a visit to familiarize your child with the building. For younger children, arrange a trip to play on the playground. If your child is especially anxious or needs additional support for a condition such as selective mutism or a learning disability, accommodations can be arranged with the school through an individualized education plan (IEP). Additionally, parents may request the child’s class placement or schedule in advance of the school year to become familiar with the classroom or practice the route between classes. If the school offers any summer programs, orientation sessions, or tours these may also be helpful to attend.

IV. Preparing for Social Interactions

If possible, plan playdates with future classmates for your child to build friendships before the school year starts and/or schedule playdates for them at the start of the school year to help them develop their friendships. If your child is anxious about making new friends or interacting with peers in the classroom, you can create and practice conversation starters and social scripts (e.g., “I like your shoes,” “Who is your favorite superhero?” or “Can I sit with you?”).

V. Establishing Routines and Structure

Consistent routines may help reduce your child’s anxiety1. Plan out the first week of school with your child, setting a time for breakfast, the commute to school, and any other morning activities such as walking the dog, as well as for afterschool activities such as homework or going to the park. A consistent bedtime and wake time as well as a calming nighttime routine to wind down before bed (e.g., chamomile tea, journaling, screen-free activities) may benefit your child’s wellbeing and school readiness2.

VI. Coping Strategies for Anxious Moments

For more anxious children, parents may practice coping techniques in advance of the schoolyear and build an “anxiety toolbelt” or “toolbox” with your child. Coping techniques include, bringing a fidget to play with, breathing exercises, or visualizing a happy place or comforting person.

VII. How a Professional Can Help

If you or your child are feeling particularly overwhelmed with anxiety about the upcoming schoolyear, a mental health professional can provide temporary or ongoing support to help your child process their anxiety and learn coping strategies. A clinician can support your family in developing an IEP or 504 Plan or advocating for your child’s needs to their school.

While transitions are often anxiety-provoking and may be especially stressful for anxious children, the new school year is also an opportunity for exciting change. Parents may use these tips to support their child in coping with their anxiety, so they are freer to enjoy making new friends and learning new things.

Sources:

1. Bridley, A. & Jordan, S.S. (2012). Child Routines Moderate Daily Hassles and Children's Psychological Adjustment. Children's Health Care, 41(2), 129-144. DOI: 10.1080/02739615.2012.657040

2. Kitsaras, G., Goodwin, M., Allan, J., Kelly, M. P., & Pretty, I. A. (2018). Bedtime routines child wellbeing & development. BMC Public Health, 18(1), 386. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5290-3