Strategies for handling the ‘Back-To-School’ anxieties
Children experience anxiety too, especially when it's back-to-school time after a lovely holiday. How can we best help them?
Parents & Carers!
Working out how to handle your (and your child’s) anxiety as they go back to school is a very common concern. The back-to-school season, especially after a long break, can sometimes be stressful not just for the children, but for parents as well. Here are some practical strategies you can use to handle your own anxiety as your children return to school:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
Recognise that it’s normal to feel worried or sad when your child starts (or returns to) school.
Give yourself permission to have those emotions instead of pushing them away.
2. Prepare and Plan
Organise school supplies, clothes, and routines in advance to reduce last-minute stress.
Visit the school together, if possible, (if you have forgotten what the school looks like or perhaps are new to the school), so both you and your child feel more familiar with the environment.
3. Establish a Calm Routine
Morning and evening routines help both you and your child feel secure.
Getting enough rest, eating well, and setting a consistent schedule can reduce anxiety for the whole family.
4. Model Confidence
Children often “borrow” emotional cues from parents. If you show calmness and optimism, they’ll feel more secure.
Even if you’re nervous, try and frame the school as a positive, exciting place for your child.
5. Connect With Other Parents
Talking to other parents often reveals that they’re experiencing similar feelings.
This builds support networks and reduces the sense of “I’m the only one worrying.”
6. Stay Informed, but Not Over-Involved
Communicate with teachers if you have concerns but try not to micromanage. Teachers can get overwhelmed by 60 parents all wanting to have a chat at the same time.
Trust your child’s ability to adjust and grow.
7. Practice Self-Care
Take time for activities that calm you—exercise, journaling, meditation, a coffee out with a close friend or family, or simply a quiet time.
When you care for yourself, you’re more emotionally available for your child.
8. Focus on the Positives
Remind yourself of the benefits: your child is learning, making friends, and developing independence.
Share excitement with your child about new opportunities and milestones.
9. Use Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing, mindfulness, or grounding exercises can help in moments of heightened worry.
Try doing these together with your child—this teaches them coping strategies too.
10. Seek Extra Help if Needed
If anxiety feels overwhelming, consider sharing with your child's class teacher, the school head teacher or the SENCo. If this is not a boundary you feel comfortable crossing, then consider talking with your local health centre, your General Practitioner (GP), a counsellor, therapist, or a support group.
Professional guidance can provide tools for managing ongoing stress.
If this information has been helpful to you, please share the link with someone else who might need it.