
Back To School Stress
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Back-to-school season can be stressful—not just for parents juggling schedules, supplies, and routines, but for children too. After weeks of vacation, camps, or relaxed days at home, the shift back to structured routines can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to spot signs of stress in your child and some practical tips to help them navigate this transition smoothly.
Understanding How Kids Experience Back-to-School Stress
For younger children, stress might show up as restlessness, changes in appetite, insecurity, or trouble sleeping. Adolescents may become withdrawn, preoccupied, or irritable, distancing themselves from family and friends. These signs aren’t always obvious, so it’s important to stay attentive to behavioral changes.
Common Sources of Back-to-School Stress
- Fear of the Unknown: Questions like “Who will be my teacher?” or “Will I make new friends?” can cause anxiety, especially when transitioning to a new school or grade.
- External Changes: Moving, family changes (like divorce or custody shifts), or the loss of a loved one can amplify stress, making school adjustments more challenging.
- Performance Pressure: The desire to excel academically, socially, or in extracurricular activities can be a significant stressor, particularly if a child has faced past struggles.
Tips for Supporting 5-12 Year Olds:
- Re-establish Routines: Create a consistent evening routine to ease the transition back to school.
- Involve Them in Preparation: Let your child choose some of their school supplies to foster a sense of ownership and excitement.
- Quality Time Matters: Even with busy schedules, carve out one-on-one time to connect and listen.
- Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their worries without minimizing them. Their feelings are real, even if the problems seem small to you.
Supporting Teens (12-16 Years Old):
- Shared Activities: Spend quality time together without screens—go for a walk, play a sport, or cook a meal.
- Open Conversations: If you sense they’re anxious, gently start a conversation about their feelings without pushing too hard.
- Collaborative Scheduling: Work with them to create a balanced routine for schoolwork, hobbies, and rest. Display it somewhere visible, like the kitchen.
- Family Meals: Regular family dinners are an easy way to maintain connection and keep communication lines open.
Tips for All Ages:
- Start the Day Calmly: Wake up early enough to avoid rushed mornings and enjoy breakfast together.
- Teacher Relationships Matter: Academic success is often tied to strong teacher-student relationships. If issues arise, discuss them with your child and consider meeting with their teacher or principal. Approach these conversations collaboratively, not confrontationally.
- Balance Extracurriculars: While kids may be eager to join many activities post-summer, ensure they have downtime to relax, read, or play without performance pressure.
Back-to-school stress is normal, but with the right support, kids can transition smoothly and even thrive in the new school year. By staying connected, attentive, and involved, we can help them feel confident, prepared, and less overwhelmed.
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
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