Supporting Your Child and Spotting Anxiety in the First Weeks of School

As summer winds down, the start of a new school year can bring a mix of excitement and nervousness in children. While some nervousness is normal, it’s important for parents to distinguish between typical back-to-school jitters and more serious anxiety issues. Here’s how you can help your child smoothly transition into the school year—and how to spot when extra support might be needed. 

“We are hearing more from parents about their kids experiencing anxiety and being nervous about going back to school,” said Dr. Christina Canody, medical director of BayCare’s Pediatric Service Line. While it's natural for children to feel a blend of excitement and anxiety as they start a new school year, Dr. Canody emphasized the importance of recognizing whether your child is simply adjusting to new experiences or facing deeper emotional challenges. Here are four steps to help your child transition smoothly—and how to recognize when additional support might be needed: 

1. Establish a Routine: Creating a consistent routine can make the transition back to school smoother.  

Dr. Canody suggested practicing the morning routine not just before school starts but also during the first few weeks. Going over the morning tasks—from packing the school bag to getting dressed—can help your child feel prepared and less anxious as they settle into their new routine. 

2. Keep the Conversation Going: Open communication is key to easing back-to-school anxiety throughout the initial weeks. 

“Being able to start a conversation with kids and really get them in touch with their emotions is extremely important,” Dr. Canody explained. Begin with simple, open-ended questions like, “What excites you?” or “What’s been worrying you lately?” This encourages kids to identify and express their emotions. “It’s important for kids to name their emotions, talk about how they feel, and for you to reflect what you’re hearing,” Dr. Canody added. Share your own experiences too. As Dr. Canody suggested, sharing how you’ve managed your own worries can help normalize their feelings and show them how to handle anxiety effectively. 

3. Recognize the Red Flags: While some anxiety is normal, Dr. Canody advises parents to watch for signs that their child may be struggling more than expected during these early weeks.  

“Kids show it in really subtle ways,” she noted. Red flags including changes in sleep, diet or loss of interest in activities, withdrawal from family or friends, or a drop in grades can all be signs of a deeper issue. "Those should all be red flags that you try to address immediately and not let them go unnoticed," Dr. Canody emphasized. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to speak to a pediatrician. 

4. Leverage Resources: To support your child’s mental health, resources like the BayCare Kids’ On Our Sleeves campaign can be invaluable.  

The campaign provides age-appropriate tools for kids and parents to navigate emotions, start conversations, and identify red flags. Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, On Our Sleeves can guide you in offering the right support at the right time. 

When to Seek Professional Help 

If your child’s anxiety persists or intensifies, don’t wait to seek help from their pediatrician or school staff for additional support. Persistent anxiety that affects daily functioning should not be ignored, as early intervention can prevent more serious issues later on. Creating a supportive environment at home can make all the difference in helping your child navigate back-to-school anxiety successfully. Remember to keep the conversation going, recognize when anxiety might be more than just first-day jitters, and don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if needed. By doing so, you’ll not only ease the transition but also set a positive tone for the school year ahead.

For more information and resources, visit the On Our Sleeves campaign site, which offers guidance on supporting your child’s mental health throughout the school year.