Strong start: How to manage the excitement and anxiety of a new school year

It’s hard to believe summer break is already coming to a close. As kids start preparing for the new school year, they also need to adjust to new routines, homework deadlines, bus routes and social dynamics. This can bring new challenges and lots of emotions, including both excitement and anxiety. 

While transitions like this can bring growth, they can also be stressful for families. Looking beyond the chaos of the calendar and daily logistics to make sure your kids are feeling emotionally supported can make all the difference as they head back to school.

Listen actively and talk with intention

Many school-related anxieties can be relieved through casual and intentional conversation. Letting your kids know their feelings are real, meaningful and important to you is a powerful way to connect while making them feel heard. Here are some tips to help guide you through these chats:

• Teach by example. Share the big emotions you felt that day.
  
  
• Ask open-ended questions about what they feel and why.
  
  
• Relate to them by sharing your own “back to school” story.
  
  
• Before offering advice, ask if they are ready to receive it.
  
  
• Work through a challenge out loud together.
  
  
• Discuss tomorrow’s possibilities.
  
  
• Explain that it’s okay to ask for help and teach them how to do so.

Identify and address big emotions together

Helping your kids identify and manage their big feelings can give them confidence to solve problems and build healthy relationships. These strategies can help kids navigate big emotions.

• Prepare them by discussing what to expect ahead of time.
  
  
• Show understanding and empathy toward the way they feel.
  
  
• Remind them they are capable. List a challenge they’ve overcome in the past.
  
  
• Teach them self-soothing skills such as deep breathing or counting to ten.
  
  
• Encourage them to do something they enjoy after a long day to unwind and process how they feel.
  
  
• Remind them to eat well and get enough sleep.

Make time for fun and self-care

While your family’s schedule starts piling high with meetings, sporting events and concerts, it can hard to remember to take time for yourself. Prioritizing self-care and your personal health needs can make it easier to support your kids. Add some of these self-care items to your family’s to-do list:

• Connect with loved ones.
  
  
• Spend time in nature.
  
  
• Listen to your favorite music.
  
  
• Practice journaling or read a book.
  
  
• Cuddle up with a family pet.
  
  
• Set time aside for a hobby or activity you love.

Let your knowledge develop as your kids do

Kids are constantly changing. They might seem like entirely different people on the first and last days of the school year. Asking experts and other parents about their experiences can help you anticipate your child’s ever-changing needs. Knowing what to expect as they grow can make these changes easier on you and your family.

• Connect with your kids’ friends and their families.
  
  
• Get to know their teachers, coaches and mentors.
  
  
• Ask a health care provider for advice.
  
  
• Share your story with others.
  
  
• Know where to find help and how to ask for it.

Building resilience as a family can be fun and rewarding. And you don’t have to do it alone! Remember that no family has all the answers. Every parent is learning as they go.

Download this fact sheet for more tips to try with your family and share with the families around you this back- to- school season.

Janelle Clark, LPC Behavioral Health Consultant Cedarburg Pediatrics

Children’s Wisconsin has more than 20 primary care offices conveniently located throughout the Milwaukee area and southeast Wisconsin. Find a pediatrician near you.