Every September, millions of kids feel a mix of excitement and nerves about returning to school. Even if they’ve done it before, the change in pace from summer to school life can bring butterflies in their stomachs — and sometimes full-on anxiety.
Here’s how parents can support their children in ways that go beyond checklists and school supplies.
1. Normalise the Nerves
Let your child know that lots of kids (and even adults!) feel wobbly about new beginnings. Comparing it to situations they already understand — like starting a new football season or going back to swimming lessons after a break — can make their worries feel more normal and less overwhelming.
2. Share Your Own Experiences
Talk about times when you felt nervous returning to work after a holiday, or starting something new as a child. Kids love to hear that grown-ups go through the same things. It reassures them that anxiety is not a weakness, but something everyone faces.
3. Teach Simple Coping Techniques
Breathing exercises, positive affirmations, or even squeezing a stress ball in their pocket can give children tools to manage worries during the school day. For younger kids, you could try a fun “magic breath” game: breathe in as if you’re smelling a flower, and breathe out as if you’re blowing out a candle.
4. Limit the Back-to-School Hype
Sometimes, the constant talk of “a big new school year” ramps up the pressure. Keep conversations light and balanced — it doesn’t need to be framed as a huge deal. Normalising school as just another part of life can help calm anxious minds.
5. Build in Downtime After School
Anxiety can be exhausting. Allow space for calm, unstructured time when your child gets home — whether it’s reading, drawing, or simply chilling out. Avoid cramming in too many extracurriculars in the first few weeks, giving them a chance to recharge.
6. Encourage Peer Connections Early
For many children, it’s the social side of school that causes the most worry. Help them reconnect with friends before term starts — even a short playdate or video call can remind them that school is also about friendships, not just lessons.
7. Use Stories to Explore Feelings
Books are brilliant for helping kids process emotions. Choose age-appropriate stories about characters who overcome worries, and talk about what your child notices. This can give them language to explain their own feelings.
8. Celebrate the Small Wins
Don’t wait for the first week to end before offering praise. Celebrate smaller steps: getting dressed without fuss, walking through the school gates, or even just talking openly about their feelings. Recognising progress boosts confidence.
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school anxiety is common, but it doesn’t have to take over the new term. By normalising nerves, sharing strategies, and keeping the pressure low, parents can give their kids the confidence to step into the classroom feeling supported, not scared.
