Back-to-School Blues: Supporting Kids Through Seasonal Shifts
For many families, the end of summer brings a mix of emotions. Maybe your child is counting down the days until they see their friends again, or maybe they’re dragging their feet and dreading the first bell. Either way, it’s common for kids to feel a little off as summer winds down and school starts back up.
This seasonal shift can be a lot. Going from long, carefree days to early mornings, busy schedules, and new classroom routines is a big adjustment. Some kids handle it easily. Others feel anxious, irritable, or even sad and don’t know how to talk about it.
As a parent or caregiver, it’s not always easy to tell what’s going on under the surface. But there are gentle ways to help your child feel more steady, supported, and ready to start the new school year.
Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling
Kids don’t always say how they feel. Instead, they might show it in small or unexpected ways, like:
Trouble falling asleep or waking up in the morning
Complaints about stomachaches or headaches that don’t seem to have a cause
Being more sensitive, clingy, or moody
Avoiding conversations about school
Acting younger than usual, like needing extra reassurance
These can be signs that the back-to-school transition is weighing on them emotionally.
How You Can Help
Start the conversation
You don’t have to wait until school starts to check in. A simple, open question like “How are you feeling about school coming up?” can open the door. Let them talk without rushing to offer advice. Just being heard can be incredibly reassuring.
Ease back into routines
Try to get back to a consistent sleep and wake-up schedule at least a week before school starts. Routines help kids feel grounded. Make mornings and evenings feel calm and predictable when you can.
Point out the good stuff
Talk about the parts of school they’ve enjoyed before, like seeing a favorite teacher, playing at recess, or learning something interesting. If they’re nervous about something specific, talk it through and come up with a plan together.
Stay calm, even if they’re not
Kids often take emotional cues from the adults around them. If you can show that you’re confident and calm about the transition, it helps them feel safe. It’s okay to say, “This is a big change, but we’ll figure it out together.”
Practice helps
If your child is especially anxious, walk through the school morning together. Lay out clothes, pack the backpack, or visit the school if you can. Familiarity helps ease fear.
Know when it’s more than just nerves
If your child’s anxiety doesn’t ease up after the first few weeks of school or starts to affect their daily life, it might be time to get some extra support. A school counselor, therapist, or mental health provider can help you both navigate things.
You’re Not in This Alone
Back-to-school transitions can be hard, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. The most important thing your child needs is to know that you're in their corner, no matter what.
If you’re feeling stuck or worried, we’re here to help. At Alleviant, our team supports children, teens, and families with compassionate mental health care that meets you where you are. Whether it’s managing school anxiety, emotional shifts, or bigger concerns, you don’t have to walk through it alone.
