The start of a new school year brings feelings of excitement, the promise of new beginnings, and for many children, a healthy dose of anxiety. Whether it’s worrying about making new friends, adjusting to new classrooms and teachers, or tackling more challenging subjects, it’s completely normal for students to feel nervous about returning to school.
As a parent, your support and reassurance can make all the difference in how your child navigates these feelings.
Understand What They’re Feeling
Before offering advice, encourage your child to share what they’re worried about. Ask open-ended questions such as, “Is there something you’re feeling unsure about this year?” or “Is there anything about school that makes you nervous?” Even young children can identify and articulate their fears, especially if they feel encouraged and heard. Avoid brushing off their concerns or immediately jumping into solutions. Often, simply talking through these fears and validating your child’s emotions will be enough to ease their nerves.
Normalize the Nerves
Let your child know that it’s completely normal to feel nervous when starting something new. Share your own memories of back-to-school jitters or talk about how adults often feel the same way before beginning a new job or project. This helps children understand that anxiety doesn’t mean they’re unprepared, it just means they care about doing well.
Talk Through the Unknowns
A lot of anxiety comes from uncertainty. If possible, help your child learn more about what to expect. Go through their class schedule, visit the school if it’s new to them, or talk about how the day typically will flow. The more familiar their routine feels, the more manageable it becomes. If your child has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), reassure them that the proper support system is in place for them at school. Finally, remind them of the successes they’ve had in the past, as reflecting on these achievements can boost their confidence and help them see that they are capable of handling the challenges ahead.
Focus on Strengths and Positives
Encourage your child by highlighting the skills that they already have – perhaps they made great progress in reading last year or became more independent with their homework. Focusing on strengths builds confidence. You can also emphasize the fun parts of going back to school such as seeing their friends again (and making new ones), joining clubs, learning interesting things, and getting back into a familiar routine.
Practice Coping Strategies
For children with bigger worries, practice simple strategies they can use at school: breathing techniques, positive self-talk (“I’ve done this before, I can do it again”), or even having a small item in their backpack that can help to calm them. Role-playing scenarios at home, like introducing themselves to a new classmate or asking the teacher a question, can also help reduce fear and help them to feel confident.
Keep the Conversation Going
Children don’t always open up right away, and sometimes their worries don’t surface until after the first week or two of the school year. Check in regularly – not just with a simple “How was school?” – but with more specific questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “Was there anything that felt a bit tricky today?” These questions can lead to meaningful conversation and show your child that you’re there to support them all year long.
Starting a new school year can be overwhelming for students of any age, but with reassurance, preparation, and steady support, your child can face the year with excitement and confidence. If academic concerns are part of the anxiety, consider a supportive boost like individualized tutoring. Early support can ease stress and help your child feel equipped to take on new challenges.