As summer draws to a close, many children eagerly anticipate the start of a new school year, but for others, the return to structured routines and academic pressures can trigger significant anxiety. According to a recent survey, 64% of children's worries are school-related, highlighting the prevalence of this issue among young students.
Cognitive neuroscientist Robert Alexander, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling and wellness at New York Institute of Technology, explains the underlying cause of this anxiety. “Our brains are prediction machines, and our nervous systems constantly try to anticipate what will happen next, so that we can respond appropriately and stay safe. The beginning of a new school year disrupts many of those predictions all at once—old routines are broken, expectations and environments change, children are presented with new classrooms, teachers, classmates, and other daily adjustments.”
While some nervousness during transitions is developmentally normal, children who are already prone to anxiety may find the return to school especially overwhelming. Alexander advises parents to recognize the signs, which may not always be obvious. “Children often express anxiety indirectly,” he says, noting that common indicators include changes in sleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating, appetite changes, clinginess, or social withdrawal.
The best way to reduce anxiety, according to Alexander, is preparation. “Preparation helps make things more predictable and allows us to adapt to changes. Visiting the school, discussing routines, and gradually re-establishing bedtimes before classes begin can all help children feel more secure. Sleep, in particular, plays a major role in emotional regulation and stress resilience,” he explains.
Parents also play a crucial role in setting the emotional tone at home. “Children often look to adults for cues on how they should respond to a situation. Responding with calm confidence can send a powerful message of safety,” Alexander says. He also suggests that children practice simple calming techniques, such as slow and controlled breathing, to manage overwhelming feelings in the moment. He recommends a simple pattern of inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for six.
However, Alexander cautions against completely eliminating a child's anxiety, as a healthy amount can foster resilience. “Confidence grows through small wins. Knowing that you can handle a situation can help you deal with future situations more effectively,” he says. “When children successfully introduce themselves to a new friend, find their new classroom, or survive their first week at a new school, they learn that they are capable in those environments. But children who are prone to anxiety may need some extra help moving through those feelings successfully.”
This guidance comes as families across the country prepare for the upcoming school year. By implementing these strategies, parents can help their children navigate the transition with greater confidence and ease.
