Enriching Education: Avoid Back to School Anxiety with 7 Tips for a Smooth Transition

By Zoe Twitt

After spending a fun and relaxing summer at home with family and friends, many kids are filled with dread at the thought of returning to school. With Summer nearing the end and schools starting over the next couple of weeks, parents and children might be feeling anxious about starting a new school or returning to their old routines. If you want to help make the transition from summer break to school as easy as possible for your children, then here are a few simple steps to follow. During these important conversations, it’s important to listen to your child about their anxieties and concerns and to keep your language simple, confident, and kind.

Make a Plan. Ideally, before school begins, write down a schedule for your child’s first week and go over it together. If school has already started, be flexible and adapt the plan to fit your child’s schedule. What time are they expected to wake up? What time will you leave the house? Are they going to take the school bus or will you drive them? At the end of the day, who will greet them? Make sure all the details are clear to them. It can be helpful to ask them to repeat the plan back to you, to ensure everyone is on the same page.

If possible, start the routine early. At least two weeks before school starts, begin setting the alarm earlier. Ideally, by the week prior you should be on your first day of school schedule. Get up, get dressed and eat breakfast with your kids at the time they’ll be eating on school days. After breakfast, leave the house for a while, even if it’s just to do an errand or take a walk. 

Practice Being Apart. If younger children suffer from separation anxiety and you’ve been home with them during summer, it might help to practice being apart before the big day. Plan for playdates or, if they're older, sleepovers in the weeks prior. 

Share Feelings. If your child is anxious about returning to school, talk to them about their feelings. Ask them if they’re generally nervous, or is there a particular worry that’s plaguing them. Often, there are concerns that can be easily addressed. 

If you have a child who needs extra support, it’s helpful if they have a point of contact at school. Who is their safety net on the first day of school? Is it a teacher, or a guidance counselor? Encourage your child to talk to them if they’re feeling anxious or homesick. Explain that other children will also share this feeling, and that getting support is healthy.

Be honest. If your child is accustomed to being with you all day every day or if they’re prone to separation anxiety, the first day back at school might be harder for them. Be honest about what feelings might arise and what problems they may face. Be sure to keep it light. It will help your child feel seen and it will prepare them for change. It’s better to be up front about life’s imperfections, instead of telling them that “things will be ok.” 

Spend time together preparing. Together, select outfits that help your child feel confident and excited about going back to school. Help them to create an organizational system that works for them. Getting organized for back to school can be an uplifting activity.

Reconnect with friends. Now is a good time to catch up with last year’s classmates, or meet future classmates. My son is an only child, and it has been helpful to offer him some talking points. 

Zoe Twitt is a mom, creative, and author of Adelaide and The Cosmic Rescue Squad series, a
group of children’s picture books that help kids recognize and regulate their mental health when they are feeling anxious or overwhelmed. More at enchantedpress.co.uk.