07/22/2026
Back to school season can bring big feelings, even before the first bell rings. Here are a few ways to help your child navigate the transition:
👀Watch for the signs. Anxiety in kids doesn't always look like worry. It can show up as trouble sleeping, stomachaches, irritability, clinginess, or a sudden lack of interest in things they used to enjoy.
💬Start the conversation early. Ask open-ended questions like "What are you excited about?" and "What feels a little scary?" This gives kids room to share without feeling pressured to have it all figured out.
🤗Normalize the nerves. Let your child know that feeling nervous about a new year, teacher, or class is completely normal, and that you're there to help them through it, not just fix it.
📅Practice the routine. A few days of an earlier bedtime, a walk or drive by the school, or a trial run of the morning schedule can ease a lot of first-day jitters.
🤝Know when to ask for support. If anxiety feels bigger than typical back to school nerves, or is getting in the way of sleep, eating, or daily life, it may be time to loop in a school counselor or mental health provider. Care Solace is here to help families find the right care, right when they need it.
A little preparation now can make the transition back to school smoother for the whole family!