How to Support Your Child with Back to School Anxiety

At the beginning of any new academic year, it’s perfectly normal for children and young people to experience back to school anxiety. Whether it’s a new classroom, unfamiliar routines or worries about social situations, this kind of apprehension is common—and with the right support, it can be eased.

As a parent or carer, your approach can make a big difference. Children often take their emotional cues from the adults around them, so modelling calm, positive behaviour is essential. Creating opportunities for open conversations helps young people feel heard, and reminds them that it’s okay to talk about their worries.

Routines play an important role too. In the weeks leading up to the first day, begin introducing school-time bedtimes and wake-up routines. This helps reduce the shock of early mornings and provides a sense of predictability—something that anxious learners often find comforting.

If your child is starting a new school, a visit beforehand can help reduce uncertainty. Seeing the building, walking the corridors, or meeting a teacher can go a long way in building familiarity.

And don’t forget the power of preparation—laying out uniforms, organising bags and offering choices about meals or outfits can all help your child feel more in control.

Top five tips for easing back to school anxiety

• Re-establish routines early: Begin bedtime and morning routines a few weeks before term starts.
• Visit the school: If it’s a new setting, help your child explore it ahead of time so it feels more familiar.
• Talk it through: Create space for your child to express how they’re feeling—and reassure them it’s okay to be nervous.
• Prepare together: Sort out uniforms, supplies and lunches in advance to reduce stress on the day.
• Focus on the positives: Talk about what they enjoy—whether it’s seeing friends, favourite lessons or after-school clubs.

If your child is feeling overwhelmed, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualisation exercises can be helpful. Practising these together before the first day back can make it easier for your child to use them when needed.

For families seeking additional support, organisations such as Barnardo’s offer helpful advice on how to manage anxiety and access further guidance.

Coping with back to school anxiety is about giving your child the tools, confidence and support they need to make a positive start. By working together, families can help ensure the transition back to the classroom is a smooth one.

At Compass Community Schools, we create nurturing learning environments where every learner is supported to grow—academically, emotionally and socially.

To learn more about individual Compass Community Schools, please follow this link: compass-schools.org/schools/public/