You’re not alone—back-to-school jitters are real. As the new school year approaches, many children and parents feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, transitioning to middle school, or entering high school, these changes can bring about emotional, developmental, and behavioral challenges.
This month, we’ve gathered practical tips to help families make the transition smoother and more successful. If your child could use extra support, our caring therapists in San Rafael are here to help. Whether you’re seeking child and family therapy in Marin or strategies for school refusal and social challenges, our compassionate team is ready to partner with you.
Re-establish Routines Early:
Begin transitioning to school-year routines 1-2 weeks before the first day. Reinforce consistent wake-up, bedtime, and mealtime schedules to help kids adjust gradually. Our parent coaching services can provide personalized strategies for creating smoother transitions.
Create a Visual Schedule:
Especially helpful for younger kids or those with anxiety or ADHD. Having a daily chart (morning, school, after-school, bedtime) provides predictability and reduces stress.
Talk Openly About Emotions:
Encourage your child to share what they’re excited or nervous about. Normalize their feelings: “It’s okay to feel a little worried before something new.” Our child counseling sessions help kids build emotional vocabulary and coping skills.
Visit the School (If Possible):
If your child is entering a new school, a walk-through or even a virtual tour can reduce fear of the unknown.
Reconnect with Friends Early:
Set up a playdate or casual hangout with a classmate before school starts. Familiar faces can ease first-day jitters.
Involve Them in the Prep:
Let your child pick out school supplies, lunch options, or a new backpack. A sense of control can help ease anxiety.
Practice Morning Routines:
Do a few trial runs of waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and heading out the door. This lowers first-day stress and surprises.
Use Coping Tools:
Remind your child of strategies like deep breathing, taking breaks, or using grounding techniques if they start to feel overwhelmed.
Plan for Downtime:
The start of school can be exhausting. Allow quiet time after school to decompress without overscheduling.
Stay Positive, But Realistic:
Focus on what they can look forward to (new friends, fun classes), but don’t dismiss concerns. Acknowledge challenges and offer reassurance.
Keep Communication Open with Teachers:
Let educators know about any concerns, whether emotional, behavioral, or medical, so they can provide support early on.
Model Calm & Confidence:
Children take emotional cues from caregivers. Show them you’re calm and confident about the school transition, even if they’re nervous.
Keep Perspective and Model Resilience:
Even with the best preparation, some days will be bumpy. When challenges come up, such as missed assignments, friendship troubles, or anxiety about a quiz, your response teaches your child how to handle difficulties. Show them that problems are part of learning and that you believe in their ability to cope.
Limit Last-Minute Surprises:
Children often do best when they know what to expect. Discuss the school schedule ahead of time. Talk about drop-off and pick-up routines, after-school activities, and any changes in caregivers. Post a visual calendar for younger kids to help them feel more secure.
Focus on Connection at the End of the Day:
The after-school hours are a chance to check in without pressure. Many kids aren’t ready to talk about their day the moment they walk in the door. Offer a snack, some downtime, and then ask open-ended questions like:
“What was something that made you smile today?”
“What was the most interesting thing you learned?”
How We Can Help This Fall
Child & Adolescent Therapy:
Our licensed therapists specialize in working with children and teens experiencing anxiety, school refusal, social struggles, ADHD, family transitions, and more. This is personalized therapy for kids and teens in Marin County tailored to address school-related stress, routine changes, and anxiety about academic and social expectations.
Parent Coaching:
Receive guidance and professional parenting support in Marin County to help your child develop emotional regulation, independence, and confidence at home and in the classroom.
Support for Learning & Focus:
We work collaboratively with parents, teachers, and specialists when appropriate to ensure your child receives the support they need both inside and outside the classroom.
If you feel your child could use additional support during this time, please don’t hesitate to contact our San Rafael office, or click the “make an appointment” button below.
One of our skilled Client Care Coordinators will be happy to help match your child with a therapist who best fits their individual needs.