Back to school means changes in routine, reuniting with peers, new classrooms, new teachers, and, for some, new schools. If the previous school year was a negative experience, going back this year can be an even greater challenge. 

Experiencing anxiety during this time is completely normal. However, you want to take steps to calm it before it can turn into something greater, such as a phobia or a refusal to even go. 

So, what can parents do to help ease back-to-school anxiety? Here are 7 tips. 

1. Get Into the School Routine Early

Don’t wait until the night before school starts to kick off the new school year routine. Instead, begin easing your child into it. Setting an age-appropriate bedtime, waking early, eating on a schedule, and so forth can all help make the transition a bit easier. 

2. Watch Your Own Behavior

Parents can get nervous for a child’s first day of school. As the anticipation builds, it is normal to want the best day for your child — yet worry about whether or not it will be. Kids can sense your feelings, leaving them with anxiety. 

With your actions, show how excited you are for their first day of school and how confident you are in how it will go. Don’t stick around at drop off as if you are hesitant to leave, but rather give hugs and kisses and remind your kiddo that you will see them at the end of the school day. 

3. Be Open About Feelings

It is vital to teach kids that it is okay to share what they are feeling. Let them know that the feelings they have are normal — and that it is okay to feel them. Discuss what it is they are worried about and speak in a way that will empower them to get through it. 

What you never want to do is tell your child that they shouldn’t be worried or anxious or that it is all going to be fantastic. Instead, talk through it and encourage them to be optimistic about what lies ahead. The anxiety won’t disappear, but learning how to talk about it can make a big difference. 

4. Give Your Child Some Control

While there are some things that should be left up to the parent, of course, allowing your child to make a few decisions can help to reduce anxiety. For instance, let them decide on what outfit to wear or what they’d like to pack for a snack. Giving them options when picking up school supplies, too, can also help them feel a greater sense of control. 

5. Stay Focused on the Good

Your child can look at going back to school as a glass half empty or a glass half full. Show them the latter by creating a list of all the things they are looking forward to. This shift in focus can turn their attention to the positives rather than everything they are scared and nervous about.

6. Meet Up With Old Friends

Summertime can keep kids away from their peers. As a result, this can cause them to forget the comfort friends bring while at school. It can also add to their being fearful about going back into that environment. 

Schedule a meet-up with their friends prior to the start of school. Not only will this help as a reminder that they won’t be alone on the first day, but it can also make them excited to get to school so they can see their friends. 

7. Keep the Conversation Going

After school starts, take time each day to discuss the events of the day, both positive and negative. Let your child know that you are proud of them for being strong and getting through everything that the day brought. 

Address any issues that may have come up along the way. Keeping the line of communication open early is so important. 

Pediatric Services for Help With Anxiety

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s fears and anxiety, reach out to your trusted pediatrician at Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group. We can discuss any resources that may be available to make the transition back to school more comfortable for your child. If your child's anxiety prevents them from going to school for even one day, please call us right away. If not addressed right away,

anxiety-related school refusal can become a major problem. 



Contact us at one of our conveniently located offices in Haddon Heights and Mullica Hill.