Back-to-school season brings a mix of emotions for students, parents and teachers alike. For some kids, the first day of school is filled with excitement and anticipation. For others, it’s marked by anxiety, uncertainty or even dread. And for many, it’s a complicated mix of all three.
At TherapyWorks, we see firsthand how big transitions like the start of a new school year can impact mental health. For children and teens, this time of year brings unique challenges that are important to acknowledge and address.
Common Challenges Students Face
- Anxiety About the Unknown: New teachers, new classmates and sometimes a new school building can feel overwhelming. Kids may worry about making friends, finding their classrooms or keeping up with academic expectations.
- Social Pressures: Peer dynamics can shift over the summer. Returning to school means navigating old friendships, new social groups and sometimes bullying or exclusion.
- Academic Stress: After months away from structured learning, the sudden return to homework, tests and grades can feel like a heavy load—especially for kids who already struggle in certain subjects.
- Changes in Routine: Summer often means later bedtimes, relaxed mornings and more freedom. The shift back to early mornings, full schedules and after-school activities can be physically and emotionally exhausting.
- Extracurricular Overload: Sports, music, and clubs can be wonderful outlets, but too many commitments can lead to burnout and leave little room for downtime.
Tips for Navigating Back-to-School Stress
- Start Slow with Routines: Be patient when adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times. Gradually shifting mealtimes and screen time limits can also make the transition easier.
- Talk About Feelings (Without Rushing to Fix Them): Give kids space to share what they’re nervous or excited about. Listen actively without immediately offering solutions. Sometimes just being heard can ease anxiety.
- Normalize Nerves: Let them know it’s completely normal to feel anxious or unsure. Share your own memories of first-day jitters to help them feel less alone.
- Create a Calm Morning Plan: A predictable, unhurried morning routine can set a positive tone for the whole day. Build in a little extra time so no one starts the day feeling rushed.
- Encourage Balance: Help your child find a healthy mix of schoolwork, activities and downtime. Rest and unstructured play are just as important for mental health as academic achievement.
- Watch for Warning Signs: Changes in mood, sleep, appetite or social interactions that last more than a couple of weeks could signal that your child is struggling. Early support—from you, a school counselor, or a mental health professional—can make a big difference.
As a parent, you can’t prevent every challenge your child will face at school—but you can give them the tools, support and reassurance to navigate those challenges. And if things feel like too much—for them or for you—know that help is out there.
At TherapyWorks, we believe that mental health support isn’t just for times of crisis. It’s a powerful tool for helping kids, teens and families thrive in every season of life, including the busy, emotional and exciting start of the school year. If you or your child needs help navigating a stressful season, reach out. We are here!
Maaliea Wilbur, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is Founder and CEO of TherapyWorks. For more information, visit mytherapyworks.com.
