School anxiety is a common experience, especially at the start of a new academic year. Nervousness can intensify when kids are faced with a new environment, where making new friends and adjusting to fresh expectations become part of the daily routine.

How to Tame School Anxiety

The good news? With a little preparation, open communication, and intentional connection, we can guide kids through the anxious feelings that often accompany the back-to-school transition.

Set the Stage for Success

Preparation is a powerful tool in easing anxiety.

Start by building a connection with your child’s school. Attend events, meet teachers early on, and talk with kids about the school year ahead. Focus on both upcoming challenges and opportunities.

It’s important to reassure children that feeling nervous is normal—these emotions are just part of growing and stepping into new beginnings.

Identify + Address Fears

Encourage kids to openly share their worries while steering the conversation in a way that emphasizes the positives.

Subtle shifts in language, as illustrated above, help kids concentrate on the positive aspects of their new environment while still allowing space for their concerns.

Identifying fears early on gives you the chance to address them directly, offering both comfort and clarity.

Highlight the Positives

Help kids focus on the aspects of school that excite them.

Take some time together to list out fun activities, favorite subjects, and friends they’re looking forward to seeing. This simple exercise can shift their focus from what they’re worried about to what they love about school.

Another helpful activity is creating a “worry jar.” It allows kids to separate their anxieties from positive thoughts, helping them see that there’s balance in their experiences.

Click Here to Learn How to Make a “Worry Jar.” 🫙

Keep the Connection

Staying connected throughout the school day can do wonders for easing anxiety. Simple gestures, like slipping a comforting note into your child’s lunchbox or giving them a small item from home to carry with them, provide reassurance.

Small acts show kids that they’re supported and loved, even as they navigate new situations.

Need Support?

Back-to-school time can be tough for many kids. If you know a child who needs extra support, contact us today to learn more about the mental health services we offer for children and families.