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, but it’s worth paying attention to how it shows up and how long it lasts.

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 it starts affecting daily life, that’s a good sign to reach out to their school counselor or a therapist. With the right support, kids can feel more confident navigating the school year.

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