How to Help Your Child Cope with Back-to-School Anxiety: Practical Tips for Parents
The Back-to-School Jitters Are Real
Let’s be honest — the back-to-school season is a rollercoaster. One minute you’re picking out new backpacks and lunchboxes, and the next, you’re fielding meltdowns over early bedtimes or worries about new teachers. It’s a lot. For kids and for parents.
If your child is feeling anxious about going back to school, you’re not alone. It’s incredibly common, and it doesn’t mean there’s anything “wrong” with them (or with you as a parent!). Kids of all ages — from pre-K to high school — can feel nervous about changes, especially when routines shift and new expectations are in the air.
At Acadiana Counseling Connection, we get it. We’re here to share a few insights on what back-to-school anxiety can look like and how you can help ease those nerves without turning your home into a battleground.
Kids don’t always come right out and say they’re anxious. More often, it shows up in sneaky ways — like stomachaches, grumpy moods, or just flat-out refusing to get out of bed.
Here are some common signs your child might be feeling anxious about school:
They cling to you or have a hard time with goodbyes in the mornings.
Physical complaints like “my tummy hurts” or trouble sleeping.
Irritability or meltdowns (especially when school comes up in conversation).
Avoiding school-related tasks like packing their bag or doing homework.
Overthinking and worrying about making friends, getting good grades, or “what if” scenarios.
Withdrawing or acting like they don’t care when really, they’re overwhelmed.
These reactions are normal, especially during the first few weeks of school. Most kids adjust once they get back into the swing of things. But if the anxiety lingers or starts to impact daily life, it may be time to get a little extra support — and that’s okay.
Why Back-to-School Transitions Feel So Hard for Kids
Change is tough — and for kids, it can feel downright overwhelming. Even if they’re excited to see friends again or get new school supplies, there’s still a lot of “unknown” that can stir up anxiety.
Kids (and honestly, adults too!) thrive on routines and predictability. When they know what’s coming next, it feels safe and manageable. But going back to school flips their routine upside down — new teachers, new classrooms, new expectations. It’s a lot to process, especially after a summer of looser schedules and more downtime.
Here are a few reasons why this transition feels so big for kids:
New Environments Can Feel Intimidating
Whether it’s a brand-new school or just a different classroom, unfamiliar places can trigger anxiety. Kids wonder: Where do I sit? Will my teacher be nice? What if I get lost?Friendship Worries Are Real
Social anxiety often kicks in during school transitions. Kids may worry about fitting in, making new friends, or whether their old friends will still like them.Performance Pressure Sneaks In Early
Even young kids can feel the weight of academic expectations. The fear of “messing up” or not being good enough can create stress before school even starts.The Summer-to-School Schedule Shift Is Jarring
After weeks of later bedtimes, slow mornings, and free play, the sudden structure of school days can feel like a shock to the system.For Some, Big Life Changes Add to the Stress
Moves, family changes, or even the lingering effects of pandemic disruptions can amplify school anxiety, making transitions harder than usual.
Understanding that these feelings are normal — and not a reflection of failure — is the first step to helping your child manage their anxiety with compassion and confidence.
7 Simple Ways to Help Your Child Feel Less Anxious About School
Now that you know what’s going on beneath the surface, let’s talk about what you can do to help your child feel more at ease. These don’t need to be complicated strategies — small, consistent actions make a big difference.
Here are some simple, real-life ways you can support your child through the back-to-school transition:
1. Validate Their Feelings
Start by letting them know it’s okay to feel nervous. Instead of brushing off their worries with “You’ll be fine,” try saying, “I can see you’re feeling a little nervous — that’s normal. Lots of kids feel that way when school starts.” Feeling heard and understood is often the first step to feeling better.
2. Create Predictable Routines
Morning chaos is a recipe for stress. Try setting up simple routines — like laying out clothes and packing lunches the night before — so mornings are smoother. After-school routines (snack, homework, playtime) also help kids know what to expect, which can be really comforting.
3. Practice the School Routine Before Day One
If possible, do a “practice run” of the school routine. Drive by the school, walk the halls if it’s allowed, or role-play morning drop-off at home. Familiarity builds confidence.
4. Encourage Expression Through Play or Art
Kids often express their feelings through play, drawing, or storytelling. Give them space to “act out” their school day with toys, or let them draw a picture of how they’re feeling. This gives them a safe outlet to process their emotions.
5. Avoid Rushing Mornings
If mornings are always a mad dash, anxiety will skyrocket. Try waking up just 10–15 minutes earlier to allow for a calmer start. A few extra minutes of relaxed, positive interaction in the morning can set the tone for their whole day.
6. Model Calm and Confidence
Kids pick up on your energy. Even if you’re anxious on the inside, try to project calmness and confidence. Simple affirmations like, “You’ve got this!” and “I’m proud of you for being brave” go a long way.
7. Celebrate Effort, Not Perfection
Praise your child for their effort, not just outcomes. Saying “I’m so proud of how you tried today” helps shift the focus away from fear of mistakes and encourages a growth mindset.
These strategies aren’t about eliminating anxiety (because that’s impossible), but about teaching your child how to manage those feelings in a healthy way. And when they see that you’re in their corner, it makes the process a whole lot easier.
When to Seek Extra Support
Most kids need a little time to adjust to the school year. A few tears at drop-off or the occasional “I don’t want to go to school” are completely normal in those first few weeks. But sometimes, anxiety can stick around a bit longer — or feel a little bigger — and that’s when it might be time to reach out for extra support.
Here are some signs your child might need a helping hand:
Their anxiety isn’t easing up after a few weeks of school.
Mornings are a daily battle, with intense meltdowns or refusals.
They’re having frequent stomachaches, headaches, or trouble sleeping.
They’re avoiding things they used to enjoy — activities, friends, hobbies.
You notice excessive worry or “what if” thoughts that are hard to calm.
Their school performance or social interactions are suffering because of their anxiety.
If you’re seeing these signs, please know it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. Sometimes kids (and parents) just need a little outside support to navigate tough transitions.
That’s where we come in.
At Acadiana Counseling Connection, we work with children, teens, and families to help them build the tools they need to manage anxiety, feel more confident, and create smoother transitions — not just for school, but for life’s many curveballs.
How Acadiana Counseling Connection Can Help
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
At Acadiana Counseling Connection, we understand how overwhelming it can be when your child is struggling with anxiety — especially during life transitions like going back to school. Our team of compassionate, experienced therapists is here to support both kids and parents through these tough moments.
Whether it’s helping your child build confidence, teaching practical coping skills, or offering you guidance on how to support them at home, we’re here to be part of your team. Sometimes, just having a safe space to talk things out can make a world of difference.
We offer:
Individual therapy for children and teens to manage anxiety and emotional challenges.
Parent support and consultation sessions to equip you with tools and strategies.
Flexible scheduling, including after-school and weekend appointments.
A welcoming, no-judgment space where you and your child can feel truly seen and heard.
If you’re noticing that your child could use a little extra support this school year — or if you’re a parent who could use a little breathing room — we’re here for you.
📞 Call us at 337-205-3064
📧 Email us at info@acadianacc.com
Let’s Make This School Year a Little Easier — Together
Transitions are hard. Back-to-school anxiety is real. But the good news is, you don’t have to have all the answers — and you don’t have to handle it alone.
With a little patience, some simple strategies, and support when it’s needed, your child can learn to navigate these big feelings with confidence. And as a parent, you deserve support, too.
At Acadiana Counseling Connection, we’re here to walk alongside you and your family, offering guidance, encouragement, and a safe place to land when things feel heavy. Whether it’s a quick consultation or ongoing therapy, we’re ready to help you and your child get “back to you” — calm, connected, and ready for what’s next.
If you’re curious about how we can help, or just need to talk it out, reach out. We’re just a phone call or email away.