Eight Tips to Help your Child Overcome their Back-to-School Anxiety

We can all agree that Summer break is long and the excitement of a new academic year is tangible! Yet, for some children, and parents, it brings back school anxiety and worries. As psychologists and moms, we put together this guide to share some practical tips to make this transition smoother for you and to ease your child’s back-to-school worries, fear, and anxiety:

1. Establish a Routine: Start adjusting their routine little by little one week or a few days before the first day of school. Slowly, make bedtime and wake-up time similar to the school schedule. A predictable routine can provide a sense of security for children and reduce uncertainty and anxiety.
2. Visit the School: Visit the school before the first day of the school. Familiarize with their new classroom, teachers, and surroundings. This reduces worries about the unknown and make the first day of school feel less intimidating.
3. Shop for Supplies: Get your kids excited by involving them in selection and shopping of school supplies and uniforms.
4. Anticipate: Explore potential challenges your child might face and discuss solutions together. Collaborate together in the activity, this promotes a sense of control in the face of adversity.
5. Connect with Teachers: Maintain open communication with your child’s teachers. Inform them about your child’s back-to-school worries and anxiety so they can offer additional support and understanding in the classroom.
6. Celebrate Victories: Acknowledge, emphasize, and celebrate small achievements. Whether it’s successfully engaging in a new social interaction or completing a challenging assignment, recognizing their efforts boosts their self-esteem.
7. Communicate: Create a safe space where they can express their concerns without fear of judgment. Let your child know that it’s completely normal to feel nervous or worried about new experiences. Share your own stories of overcoming similar feelings of back-to-school anxiety to help them understand that they’re not alone in their struggles. Your validation and reassurance is powerful in soothing their anxieties.
8. Set the Example: As parents, we often underestimate the influence of our own behavior. Demonstrating a positive attitude toward new experiences and challenges can inspire your child to approach school with a similar mindset.

The journey back to school can be challenging for children dealing with worries and anxieties. However, you have the power to create a supportive and nurturing environment that allows your child to thrive this school year. Remember, you’re not just helping them conquer back-to-school anxieties – you’re empowering them with life skills that will serve them well in the years to come. 

If you’ve had a chance to put these tips into practice but would like additional support, please don’t hesitate to contact us.