Overcoming back-to-school jitters.

Help your child have a successful school year.

The start of the new school year is exciting for most kids—getting a new backpack, buying school supplies, reconnecting with friends they haven’t seen all summer. But new routines can also make kids a bit nervous. Some fears can even lead to true anxiety, especially during major transitions like the first day of kindergarten or when moving up to middle school. 

We’ve outlined some strategies you can use to help you determine if your child is experiencing back-to-school “butterflies,” or if it’s something more.

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• Talk it out. Ask what’s troubling them about starting school. Sometimes, the simple act of expressing their fears can help your child face them more easily.
• Be supportive, not dismissive. Instead of saying, “You’ll be fine,” say something like, “I understand new things can be scary.” Acknowledging their feelings and concerns without judgment can reassure them that their feelings are normal.
• Remind them how exciting school can be. Have your child tell you a few things they are looking forward to, such as seeing their best friend or meeting new ones.
• Do some test runs. If the school allows, take young children to visit their new school and meet the teacher. Have them play on the school’s playground to show that school can be fun. For kids transitioning to middle school, arrange a tour to see where all their classrooms are.

Watch this video 
from the Mayo Clinic

Be mindful of other warning signs

According to The Child Mind Institute, anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges among children and teenagers.* But it can be hard to tell when kids are feeling anxious. Here are some of the most common signs to look out for:

• Worrying a lot
• Changes in appetite
• Headaches, stomachaches or trouble sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Clinging to you or another caregiver

If you’re concerned your child may have anxiety or another mental health condition such as  attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), consult with your pediatrician about your concerns. You may also want to reach out to a behavioral health specialist for professional support.

Check your own temperature

Whether you’ll be putting your child on the bus for the first time or seeing them off to middle school, you probably have a few anxieties of your own. Will they make friends? Will their teachers like them? Are they up for the academic challenges ahead? Bear in mind that, while these concerns are natural, your child can sense your anxiety, which only adds to their worries.

To counter your fears, try being proactive about your whole family’s well-being. Make sure everyone gets enough sleep and keep healthy, nutritious food on hand for meals and snacking. And never underestimate the importance of spending quality time together as a family. It can help make everyone feel a whole lot better.

*The Child Mind Institute. “What Are the Signs of Anxiety?” Page updated August 7, 2024.
 https://childmind.org/article/what-are-the-signs-of-anxiety/#:~:text=Worrying%20a%20lot:%20Kids%20with,say%20mean%20things%20about%20themselves.