Back-to-school anxiety is normal and understandable. Many kids may feel anxious about going back to school after a long summer break. Others may feel nervous about starting school for the first time. Some worries are rooted in a fear of the unknown, especially if the child will be in a new building or a new school district. They also may be worried about making friends or have concerns about the workload and whether or not they have the skills needed to be successful.

Sometimes, children are anxious or worried about the upcoming school year because of experiences with bullies. For many children, this time away from school was a welcome reprieve from mean behavior and cutting remarks. So, as the new school year approaches, they may begin to worry that they will have to go through the same experiences again.

Children also may be stressed about appearance-related issues. Children from underserved communities and/or those living in poverty may worry about not having the right clothes or supplies. Other children may worry about how others will view them, especially if they have experienced weight changes, are now wearing glasses, have developed acne or have recently gone through puberty.

Other common stressors include having a falling-out with a close friend, getting cut from a sports team, dealing with a new learning environment, being assigned to a difficult teacher and not getting into higher-level courses.

Some signs that your child might have anxiety include symptoms such as loss of sleep, loss of appetite, loss of energy, sadness and refusal to go to school. There could also be signs of muscle tension, nausea or dizziness. The anxiety of returning to school may not be evident on the first day of school and the best thing that parents and guardians can do is listen.

Regardless of what the case may be, parents can help ease the transition by recognizing the symptoms of stress and anxiety and implementing some creative strategies. A great way to ease some of your child's anxiety is to get your home ready for the transition. Planning school lunches ahead of time or establishing a comfortable homework area can help make children feel more in control and relieve some of their anxious feelings. Children often reflect what the adults around them are feeling, so it is important for parents to take an opportunity and look within; parental anxiety is commonly reflected in kids.

There are countless reasons why children may experience anxiety and stress as the first day of school approaches. Their reasons are as unique as they are. The best way to address stress and anxiety is often to simply encourage your child to talk to you about what is troubling them. Listen without judgment and validate their feelings. Sometimes expressing their feelings is all a child needs to feel better. It is important that you focus on what you can control and what they can control in their own environment.

Here are four articles for further reading:

“Back to School Anxiety, How to help kids manage worries and have a successful start to the school year,” Caroline Miller,

“5 Tips to Ease Back-to-School Anxiety,” Erika Alana Chiappini, Ph.D.,

“Coping with Back to School Anxiety,”

“Helping Your Child Cope with Back-to-School Anxiety,”

Here are today’s Wellness Wednesday Program book suggestions: