How to Help Your Child with Back-to-School Anxiety and Big Emotions

Back-to-school season can be exciting for some kids but for others, it brings big emotions like anxiety, fear, and overwhelm. New routines, unfamiliar teachers, and different classmates can make the start of the school year feel stressful. If your child is nervous or upset about going back to school, here are five ways to help:

1. Acknowledge Their Feelings

Instead of saying “You’ll be fine,” try: “I understand you’re nervous about meeting new friends or going to a new class. It’s okay to feel that way.”

2. Prepare in Advance

Visit the school, meet the teacher, and practice morning routines before the first day. Familiarity reduces anxiety.

3. Remind Them of Past Successes

Help your child remember other times they faced new situations and did well. This builds confidence.

4. Teach Calming Strategies

Practice deep breathing, positive self-talk, or grounding exercises so your child feels equipped to manage worry.

5. Keep Talking

Check in daily with open-ended questions like, “What was the best part of today?” This keeps the conversation open and supportive.

6. Stay Patient and Have Realistic Expectations

Remember that not all children are the same. Some might need more time to adjust than others. Staying patient, supportive, and having realistic expectation of the child is essential to help them with their new transition.

Back-to-school anxiety is common, but with the right tools, kids can feel confident and ready for the year ahead. If your child is struggling, I offer play-based kids life coaching sessions to help them manage emotions, build resilience, and approach school with confidence. Contact me today to book a session and help your child start the year strong.

Gigi Alaqqad