Navigating back-to-school feelings

The back-to-school transition can bring a mix of emotions: excited and nervous, curious and overwhelmed…

Whether your child is eagerly counting down to the first day of school or wishing the day would never come, here are a few ideas to help you and your family get into the school-year groove.

• Name your feelings (even the uncomfortable ones)

  Make space for the full range of feelings that may be coming up. Validation goes a long way in helping kids feel seen and supported. You may consider saying things like: “It makes sense that you're feeling nervous about a new teacher.” “You’re really going to miss summer — I get that.”

• Ease into the routine

  The school-year schedule can feel like a hard reset after the slower pace of summer. Try gradually shifting sleep and wake times, and build in some downtime after school starts. Kids (and adults!) need time to adjust.

• Talk about what to expect

  The unknowns can be a big source of anxiety - new classroom, new faces, new rules. Talk together about what you already know and what might be different this year. Be curious about the things you don’t know yet and see if you can gather information to turn the “unknowns” into “knowns.” Remember, it’s okay not to have it all figured out.

• Celebrate the small wins

  Not every day is going to be easy, but small wins matter (like getting out the door on time, saying hi to someone new, remembering their lunch). Celebrate those moments! Small wins build confidence and momentum.

• Check in

  Simple end-of-day questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “Was there anything tricky today?” shows your interest in their day and helps to open the door to conversation in case things aren’t going as well as you’d hoped.

• Reassure them (and yourself)

  Transitions are tough, but with a little support, you’ll all find your rhythm. And if the adjustment feels extra hard this year, that’s okay too.

You’re not alone. And help is always here if you need it.