Managing Back-to-School Anxiety After the First Week

The school year has officially begun—but that doesn’t mean the anxiety has gone away. For many families, the first few weeks can feel like an emotional roller coaster. Whether your child just started kindergarten, middle school, or their first year of college, it’s normal for both kids and parents to still feel overwhelmed. Here are a few tips to help ease lingering anxiety and support a smoother transition.

1. Check In Regularly

Now that school is underway, make time to ask your child how things are going. Keep the conversation casual and open-ended. Simple questions like “What was the best part of your day?” can open the door to deeper conversations.

2. Adjust the Routine

If mornings are chaotic or evenings feel rushed, tweak the schedule. Establish a bedtime to foster normal sleeping habits. Add calming rituals like a few minutes of quiet time, a family check-in, or a screen-free wind-down before bed. During the summer, children often wake up or stay up late. Getting your child back to their normal sleep cycle is vital.

3. Support Social Adjustments

New environments and friendships can bring anxiety. Encourage your child to talk about social wins and challenges. Validate their feelings and help them build healthy ways to cope with discomfort or loneliness.

4. Reinforce Healthy Coping Skills

Teach and model calming strategies like deep breathing, journaling, or going for a walk. These tools are useful not just now, but for managing future stress, too.

5. Monitor Your Own Emotions

It’s tough watching your child struggle—but your calm presence helps them feel safe. Give yourself space to reflect, reach out for support if needed, and take care of your own mental health.

Remember, transitions take time. The back-to-school season can be stressful, but it’s also an opportunity for growth—for students and families. A little patience and a lot of empathy go a long way.

// Managing Back-to-School Anxiety After the First Week