From Summer to School: Mental Health During Back-to-School Season

As the summer ends and school routines start again, many families feel a mix of excitement, relief, and stress. For children, September brings big changes — new classrooms, new teachers, and sometimes even a new school. While some children adapt easily, others may feel anxious or overwhelmed.

Recognising Back-to-School Anxiety in Children

Signs of stress in children can be subtle. Complaints of stomach aches, difficulty sleeping, clinginess, irritability, or sudden mood changes may indicate that your child is feeling emotionally unsettled. These are not just “nerves” or bad behaviour, they are signals that your child may need support to manage their emotions during transitions.

Children often can’t fully explain how they feel, but their behaviour gives clues. Listening attentively, validating their feelings, and maintaining consistent routines can provide reassurance and a sense of safety during this time of change.

Parents Feel It Too

Back-to-school stress doesn’t just affect children. Parents often experience their own anxieties — from juggling logistics, managing expenses for uniforms and supplies, to coping with the emotional challenge of seeing their child grow and become more independent. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, and these feelings can be compounded by your own past experiences or memories of school.

Therapy can help uncover patterns that arise during these transitions. Remember, you don’t need to be perfect; being present, patient, and compassionate matters more than perfectly executing every detail.

Practical Support for Families

Early support can make a real difference. Some children benefit from play therapy or targeted mental health interventions, while parents may find that even a few sessions with a counsellor provide clarity and grounding.

Simple strategies to ease the transition:

• Maintain consistent morning and bedtime routines.

• Listen actively to your child’s concerns without rushing to reassure or problem-solve.

• Offer gentle guidance instead of pressure- a calm home environment is more effective than a perfectly organised schoolbag.

Embracing Change Together

As September begins, give yourself and your child permission to ease into the shift. Stress is natural, but with understanding and support, children and parents can navigate this change more smoothly. A calm, connected home supports mental well-being far more than striving for perfection.

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