Dr. Chelsea Brown, LPC
Flourish Forward Counseling and Consulting

My child seems nervous about starting a new school year. Is that normal, or should I be worried?

The start of a new school year can bring up a lot of different emotions. Some kids are excited to see friends, while others may feel nervous about new teachers, friendships or academic expectations. Some stress is normal, especially while kids are adjusting to a new routine. Pay attention to whether those feelings begin to improve as they settle in or continue over time.

What does back to school stress actually look like in kids?

It doesn’t always look like worrying. Stress and anxiety can show up as irritability, trouble sleeping, headaches or stomachaches, withdrawing from others, or feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork. Your first instinct may be to fix the problem, but I’d encourage you to start a conversation instead. Ask open-ended questions like, “How have you been feeling about school?” Sometimes just knowing someone is there to listen can make a difference.

When should a parent reach out for extra support?

If your child continues struggling or you notice it affecting their daily life, it may be time to reach out to their school counselor or a therapist. You don’t have to wait until your child is completely overwhelmed to ask for help. Getting support early can give them additional tools to manage what they’re feeling and feel more confident navigating the school year.

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