Back-to-School Anxiety: How to Ease Your Child's Concerns

August 20, 2024
As we ramp up for a new school year, many children experience a mix of excitement and anxiety. While some anxiety can be motivating, excessive worry can interfere with a child's ability to enjoy and succeed in school.
"Anxiety can be a positive thing," explains Ulrick Vieux, D.O., a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Hackensack Meridian Medical Group. "A certain amount of anxiety can lead you to study hard and take school more seriously. However, we're concerned when anxiety leads to maladaptive behavior (behavior that interferes with everyday activities), excessive stress and an inability to function."
Understanding the difference between healthy and unhealthy anxiety is crucial for parents as they support their children through the back-to-school transition.
Common Causes of Back-to-School Anxiety
- New environments: Transitioning to a new school or classroom can be daunting for children.
- Academic pressures: Concerns about keeping up with schoolwork or meeting expectations can cause stress.
- Social worries: Fear of making friends or facing bullying can contribute to anxiety.
- Separation anxiety: Younger children may struggle with being away from parents or caregivers.
- Changes in routine: Adjusting to new schedules and responsibilities can be challenging.
Strategies to Help Manage Back-to-School Anxiety
Dr. Vieux offers several strategies to help children cope with back-to-school anxiety:
- Practice mindfulness: "Encourage your child to be present in the moment and not worry about the past or focus on the future," Dr. Vieux suggests. “Simple breathing exercises can aid in mindfulness and help calm anxious thoughts.”
- Prepare ahead of time: Doing a walk-through before the first day of school, or taking a drive around the campus can help ease a child’s concerns.
- Establish routines: “Starting a sleep routine as early as possible is critical, says Dr. Vieux. “This can include things like taking warm baths, reading individually or with a parent, journaling or meditation.”
- Encourage open communication: Ask questions and be there for your child. “Let your child know they can always talk to you or connect with their teachers, guidance counselors and friends about their concerns,” Dr. Vieux adds.
- Focus on healthy habits: "Healthy eating in childhood and adolescence is important for proper growth, development, and prevention of various health conditions," Dr. Vieux notes. Ensure your child eats a nutritious breakfast and gets regular physical activity.
- Create a homework-friendly environment: Set up a quiet, distraction-free space for studying and homework completion.
- Seek professional help if needed: If anxiety persists or interferes with daily life, consider consulting a mental health professional.
“It’s essential that your child knows that back-to-school anxiety is completely normal, and they have your support during change,” says Dr. Vieux. “But remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.”
By understanding the causes of back-to-school anxiety and implementing these strategies, you can help your children start the new school year with confidence and enthusiasm.
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our source: Ulrick Vieux, D.O.
- To make an appointment with a pediatrician or child psychologist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.