A new school year can bring excitement, new opportunities, and fresh beginnings. But for many children and teens, back-to-school season can also bring anxiety, stress, social pressure, and uncertainty.
New teachers, changing friendships, academic expectations, busy schedules, and simply adjusting to a different routine can feel overwhelming. As parents and caregivers, supporting a child’s mental health is just as important as making sure the backpack is packed and the school supplies are ready.
Back-to-School Stress Can Look Different in Kids
Children may not always say, “I’m anxious about school.” Instead, their emotions may show up through changes in their behavior.
Parents and caregivers may notice increased irritability, difficulty sleeping, frequent headaches or stomachaches, withdrawing from family or friends, changes in appetite, emotional outbursts, trouble concentrating, or repeatedly asking to stay home from school.
An occasional difficult day is normal. However, when changes become persistent or begin interfering with a child’s daily life, it may be time to explore what is happening beneath the surface.
Start With Conversation, Not Solutions
When a child says, “I hate school,” “I don’t want to go,” or “Nobody likes me,” our first instinct may be to immediately fix the problem.
Sometimes, the most helpful first step is simply listening.
Try asking:
“What has been the hardest part of school lately?”
“How do you feel when you think about going to school?”
“Is there anything or anyone at school making things difficult?”
“What would make tomorrow feel a little easier?”
“What do you need from me right now?”
Giving children room to talk without immediately correcting, questioning, or solving the problem can help them feel safe enough to share what is really going on.
Help Kids Build a Support System at School
Children should also know they don't have to manage difficult situations by themselves.
Talk with your child about the trusted adults available to them, including teachers, school counselors, caregivers, coaches, mentors, support staff, and mental health professionals.
You can even practice simple phrases together:
“Can I talk to you?”
“I'm having a hard day.”
“Something happened and I don't know what to do.”
“I need help.”
Teaching children how to ask for support reinforces an important message: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Create Consistency at Home
Predictability can be especially helpful during periods of transition. Simple routines around bedtime, mornings, homework, meals, and downtime can give children a greater sense of stability.
At the same time, leave room for rest. Kids don't have to immediately move from a full school day into homework, activities, chores, and responsibilities.
Sometimes they need time to decompress, reconnect, and simply be kids.
When Additional Support May Help
Some children need more support adjusting to the school year—and that's okay.
Consider speaking with a mental health professional if your child experiences ongoing anxiety or sadness, significant changes in behavior, persistent school avoidance, difficulty functioning at home or school, increased isolation, or emotional distress that doesn't seem to improve.
Therapy can provide children and teens with a supportive environment to understand their emotions, strengthen coping skills, build confidence, and learn healthier ways to navigate challenges.
A Strong School Year Starts With a Supported Child
Success isn't only measured by grades, attendance, or accomplishments.
A successful school year also means helping children feel safe, heard, connected, and supported.
You don't have to have every answer. Sometimes the most powerful thing a parent or caregiver can communicate is:
“I'm here. I'm listening. We'll figure this out together.”
Heal. Grow. Thrive.
