As the new school year approaches, many children, teens, and parents experience a mix of excitement and anxiety. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, transitioning to middle school, or entering high school, the return to school can bring emotional, social, and academic challenges.
A little preparation can go a long way. Here are some practical ways to help your child feel confident, connected, and ready for a successful school year.
Re-establish Routines Early
Begin transitioning to school-year routines one to two weeks before school starts. Gradually adjust bedtime, wake-up times, meals, and daily schedules so the first week feels less overwhelming—for younger children and teens alike.
Help Your Child Feel Prepared
Preparation builds confidence.
- Visit a new school if possible.
- Let younger children choose school supplies or a new backpack.
- Create a visual schedule for younger children or those with ADHD or anxiety.
- Encourage older children and teens to organize their supplies, review their schedules, and talk through any concerns before school begins.
Reconnect with Friends Before School Starts
If possible, arrange a playdate, casual get-together, or outing with classmates before school begins. Seeing familiar faces on the first day can ease anxiety and help children and teens feel more comfortable returning to school.
Talk About Feelings
Invite your child to share what they’re excited—or nervous—about. Let them know it’s normal to have mixed emotions, and focus on listening and validating rather than immediately trying to solve every concern.
Build Healthy Coping Skills
Review calming strategies, such as deep breathing, taking breaks, or grounding techniques, if your child starts to feel overwhelmed. Also remember that the first weeks of school are tiring. Leaving room for downtime after school can help prevent emotional overload.
Stay Connected
Many children aren’t ready to talk the minute they walk through the door. Offer a snack, allow time to decompress, then ask open-ended questions.
With tweens and teens, conversations often happen more naturally while driving, walking, or sharing a meal. Instead of “How was school?” try asking, “What surprised you today?” or “What was the best—or hardest—part of your day?”
Encourage Independence
Middle and high school are great times to help children take ownership of homework, schedules, extracurricular activities, and communicating with teachers when appropriate. Discuss expectations together before school begins so everyone starts the year on the same page.
Partner with Teachers Early
If your child has emotional, behavioral, learning, or medical concerns, communicate with teachers early in the school year. Establishing a collaborative relationship from the beginning helps ensure your child receives support before challenges become bigger.
Watch for Signs Your Child May Need Extra Support
Some back-to-school jitters are expected. However, if anxiety, school refusal, sleep changes, irritability, withdrawal, or emotional distress continue beyond the first few weeks, your child may benefit from additional support.
Model Confidence & Resilience
Children take emotional cues from the adults around them. Stay calm, acknowledge that challenges are part of learning, and remind your child that they can handle setbacks. Your confidence helps build theirs.
How Wellspring Can Help
If your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, school refusal, ADHD, friendship challenges, emotional regulation, or other back-to-school concerns, our therapists are here to help. We also offer parent coaching and collaborate with schools and other professionals when appropriate.