Back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and jitters. New teachers, unfamiliar classmates, shifting routines, and rising academic expectations can rattle even highly confident kids.
Parents feel it, too. On top of supporting big feelings, you’re wrangling supplies, schedules, transportation, and sometimes tight budgets—pressure that can spill over at home just when your child needs your calm.
As a mom of two and a psychologist who works with families, I see this every year: when children are unsure—about making friends, keeping up, or adapting to structure—parents often absorb that anxiety.
The good news: a bit of intentional preparation turns nerves into confidence. The six steps below offer a balanced plan to help kids feel heard and ready, and give parents practical tools to reduce chaos and stress at home.
Parents can validate their child’s feelings
- Acknowledge worries instead of dismissing them (e.g., “I can see you’re nervous — that’s okay”).
- Builds trust and opens the door for conversation.
Parents can establish predictable routines
- Rehearse wake-up, bedtime, and school routines before school starts.
- Use visual schedules for younger children to reduce uncertainty.
Parents can practice with their child and problem-solve together
- Role-play social situations and brainstorm calming strategies.
- Teach breathing techniques, grounding methods, and make a small “calm-down kit.”
Model Healthy Coping and Realistic Thinking
- Show children how you manage stress calmly.
- Help them reframe anxious thoughts with more balanced ones.
Foster Connection
- Arrange playdates or meet-ups with classmates before school begins.
- Create a consistent and positive goodbye ritual at drop-off.
- Spend quality time together after school to reconnect.
Focus on Physical Basics
- Ensure good sleep, balanced nutrition, and daily movement.
- These improve mood, energy, and resilience to stress.
If you’re looking for support for you or your child during this back-to-school transition, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
[Written by: Michelle Richards-Thompson, Registered Provisional Psychologist]