12 Ways to reduce back to school anxiety for kids (and their parents!)

Reducing back-to-school anxiety involves creating a supportive and reassuring environment. However, that is easier said than done! Here are some specific tips to help:

• Start Early: Begin preparing for the new school year well in advance. Gradually reintroduce routines and schedules to ease the transition.
• Discuss Their Feelings: Have open conversations about your child’s feelings and concerns regarding school. Validate their emotions and let them know it’s okay to feel anxious.
• Positive Visualization: Encourage your child to imagine positive scenarios related to school. Visualizing themselves making friends, enjoying classes, and having a good time can help reduce anxiety.
• Create a Countdown: Make a countdown calendar to the first day of school. This can build excitement and give your child a sense of control over the approaching event.
• Practice the Route: If your child will be walking or taking the bus to school, practice the route a few times together. Knowing the way can alleviate fears of getting lost. (Even visit the school if possible!)
• Establish a Routine: Set a consistent daily routine that mirrors the school schedule. This can help your child adjust to the school routine before classes start.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Discuss that it’s normal to feel a bit anxious before something new. Let your child know that many students feel the same way and it usually gets better with time.
• Stay Positive: Share your own positive school experiences and highlight the exciting aspects of going back to school, like reuniting with friends, learning new things, and engaging in fun activities.
• Plan a Fun Activity: Plan a fun activity to do after the first day of school, like a favorite meal, a trip to the park, or watching a movie together. This gives your child something to look forward to.
• Encourage Social Connections: Help your child reconnect with friends they haven’t seen over the break. Arrange playdates or virtual hangouts to rebuild social connections.
• Empower Through Preparation: Involve your child in back-to-school shopping. Let them choose supplies and items that make them excited about returning to school.
• Limit Screen Time: Reduce exposure to negative information or stories that might increase anxiety about school. Focus on positive and encouraging content instead.