Back-to-School Struggles & Mental Health

The back-to-school season can bring excitement, but it can also bring anxiety, stress, and emotional challenges for children and teens. New teachers, academic expectations, friendships, activities, and changes in routine can feel overwhelming—especially for kids who struggled during the previous school year.

What Can Back-to-School Stress Look Like?

Anxiety doesn't always look like worry. Children may show stress through:

• Irritability or anger

• Tearfulness or clinginess

• Trouble sleeping

• Headaches or stomachaches

• Withdrawal from family or friends

• Difficulty concentrating

• Avoiding or refusing school

Instead of asking, "Why are you acting this way?" try asking, "I noticed things have been harder lately. What's been feeling difficult?"

How Parents Can Help

Listen first. Validate your child's feelings before trying to solve the problem.

Reestablish routines. Gradually return to consistent bedtimes, wake-up times, and morning routines.

Practice difficult situations. Visit the school, review schedules, or practice the morning routine to make unfamiliar situations feel more manageable.

Focus on what they can control. Help your child identify coping strategies, supportive people, and actions they can take when things feel overwhelming.

Stay connected. Encourage your child to identify a trusted teacher, counselor, coach, friend, or family member they can turn to for support.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Back-to-school nerves are normal, but ongoing anxiety or mood changes that interfere with school, friendships, sleep, or daily life may be a sign that additional support is needed.

Your child doesn't need to have a perfect first day—or even a perfect school year.

The goal is to help them learn:

"This is hard, but I can handle it—and I don't have to handle it alone."

If your child or teen continues to struggle with anxiety, school avoidance, mood changes, or the transition back to school, connecting with a licensed mental-health professional can provide additional support and coping tools.