Managing the Back-To-School Stress

By Nicole Houck

It’s that time of year again! Whether your kids, siblings, friends, or you yourself are doing it, it’s time to get back to school. Some parents or caregivers reading this just let out a sigh of relief. Others are worried about the new classmates, new teacher, or being apart from their child for longer periods of time. Or, maybe you yourself are a student. Back to school can be exciting, challenging, realigning, stressful, or all of the above. Let’s read more about what back to school stress is and how to face it.

The information in this blog comes from the American Psychological Association and Psychology Today. You can click the links to read more!

For Parents and Caregivers

Not only is this a change for your child, but for you as well. Getting involved with the community can be a great way to find parents/caregivers going through similar things and connect with them. Parenting is not meant to be handled alone, so lean on those around you! If you’d like, consider joining the school board or attending meetings open to parents.

There are various things you can do to support your child as they work through the back-to-school season. A great thing to do is to have a positive outlook. If your child is unsure how to feel, they might look to you for guidance. You can also engage in conversation with them about how they’re feeling.

Setting them up for success involves a variety of things, but some can really make life easier for you and your child in the long-run. For example, getting your child into a regular sleep routine before school starts can be very helpful. Some tips include setting regular bed and wake times, exposing them to natural light in the morning, and reducing time spent in front of screens in the evening. This is also a great time to encourage developmentally-appropriate independence. Help your child practice things like packing their own bag, writing their name, and tying their shoes.

For Students

If you’re a student, one of the best ways to manage back-to-school stress is by being prepared. There are a variety of ways to do this! Each thing you do now can boost your confidence when you walk through those doors on day one. 

One thing you can do is get back into a routine early. Summer often comes with late nights and mornings spent in bed, but this can make the transition to school even more challenging. If you know what time your first class is, start setting alarms a week before school starts. This way, your mind and body can get used to the change before it is necessary. If you’d like, get some new and exciting school supplies. Whether that be a new backpack, an updated laptop, a water bottle, or some books, investing in things that are both educational and speak to your personality is a great way to get excited about the new school year. I also suggest coming up with a system to stay organized. Get yourself a planner and write down your assignments, tests, appointments, and holidays all in one place. 

If you’re feeling more nervous than usual, there are a few things you can do to alleviate these worries. For example, if possible, reach out to your teachers or guidance counselors ahead of time. You can ask for information about class requirements, expectations, or just reach out to introduce yourself. Also, many schools have the option for students to come in before the school year begins and get their bearings. You can go in and get some books, set up your locker, and walk around to find your classes. That way, you can feel more ready when the first day comes.

Know When to Ask for Help!

Back to school nerves are completely normal! However, there might be some situations where adjustment is harder than usual. If you notice a drastic change in mood or sleep, unusually poor academic performance, or social withdrawal, it might be time to ask for some professional help. 

There is nothing wrong with getting help for you or your child. In fact, it can help get them back on their feet. Sometimes, adjusting without that extra support can be extremely challenging and damaging to both their self-esteem and their future. But, counselors can help!