As September sweeps in, excitement mingles with nerves for kids and parents. And sometimes, that excitement can manifest in anxiety. According to the experts, here is how to help kids deal with back-to-school anxiety.
Back-to-school jitters aren’t just in our heads. CHOC Health recently highlighted that after long stretches at home, transitioning back into busy routines can feel stressful even if it’s just the daily rhythm of classes, snacks, and schedules.
Routine changes, separation from caregivers, the social pressure of school, and the rise in safety concerns on campuses, all contribute to worry, especially for younger or more sensitive kids.
Parents cannot shadow their kids daily in school, so, just how can they help? According to the experts, here are ways to ease those nerves and bring a sense of calm to your kids.
Validate Their Feelings
Kids need to know it’s okay to feel unsure. Instead of brushing nerves off with “You’ll be fine,” try something like, “It makes sense you’re nervous, it’s a big change, and I’m here with you.”
Experts say honest acknowledgment builds trust and emotional safety.
Create Predictability
Uncertainty fuels anxiety. Start early by reintroducing routines, set bedtimes, prepare clothes, and use visual checklists or calendars. This familiarity builds emotional comfort.
Practice Coping Strategies Together
Teach kids simple tools like deep breathing, journaling, or a short “what-if” discussion ahead of tough moments. Framing challenges as manageable builds resilience.
Model Calm Confidence
Kids pick up on what we feel even when we don’t say it. Check in with your own nerves and lead with a calm, steady presence. That emotional anchor gives kids a safe base to handle their own feelings.
Create an emergency plan
As we all know, things happen. If you have an emergency plan already mapped out with your child ahead of time, if it becomes necessary for them to use it, they are prepared and ready.
By adding these expert tips to your parenting toolbox, you are creating an atmosphere for low anxiety back-to-school success. And that is unquestionably what everyone wants.
