Back to school: Stress and anxiety in kids

August 9, 2024

Providence Children's Health Team

[3 MIN READ]

As back-to-school season starts, kids may feel more stressed and anxious.
Parents and caregivers can help children with negative feelings by talking to them and recognizing signs of anxiety disorders.
One of our pediatricians shares a video message about how you can help with kids’ back-to-school anxiety based on age group.

Back to school: Stress and anxiety in kids

As summer fun comes to an end and back-to-school season starts, your kiddos may start to feel stressed or anxious. On some level, more stress and anxiety during this time of year are expected.

“But it’s something that, as parents, we need to think about and talk about with our kids,” says Elizabeth Meade, M.D., parent, pediatrician and medical director of quality for pediatrics at Providence Swedish.

Listen as Dr. Meade shares why we experience anxiety at certain ages and some tips for how you can help.

How to recognize anxiety in children

People usually describe anxiety as intense worry or unease. Just like you, children and teens can feel anxious when they’re upset about something. But when anxiety gets in the way of daily life, including school, it may be an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders in children can range from separation anxiety to social anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Symptoms of childhood anxiety can vary. You may notice:

Your child has trouble sleeping.
Their stomach hurts.
They can’t concentrate.
They’re extra clingy with you or other caregivers.
They start acting out.

Be on the lookout for changes in behavior and anything that makes it harder for your child to function in the classroom. Anxiety can show up differently for different children and age groups. When you know what your child is worried about, you may be able to try tactics that are more likely to help.

Toddlers and preschoolers: Ease the transition

For small children — think young toddlers or kids in preschool — familiarity is important. This age group thrives on routine and what they know.

“If they’re starting a new school, make sure they can visit the school ahead of time. Or maybe have a couple of trial days or half days to get used to the environment,” shares Dr. Meade. “That can help ease the transition, rather than starting with a full day or full week of school.”

Elementary or middle school kids: Find a buddy

Children in elementary or middle school may feel anxious about starting a new grade, learning something new, having harder homework or not knowing anyone. A buddy system can help.

Dr. Meade suggests connecting with other families at the school during the summer. That way, your child has a few friendly faces when they start school. She also reminds parents and caregivers that this is the age when kids can start to talk about how they feel. So, gently introduce the subject of feelings.

“Have those conversations before the first day of school, so you know where your child is,” says Dr. Meade.

Adolescents: Talk about emotions

When your child becomes a teen, they can really identify their emotions — even if they don’t always want to talk about them.

“Make this part of regular dinner table conversation: ‘Is there anything that’s stressing you out?’” advises Dr. Meade.

A simple conversation about what might be causing worry can help form a bond with your child. Later, that bond is even more helpful. It can encourage them to talk to you if something serious comes up, and they need help.

Extra mental health support when you need it

Times of transition can be tough on kids and adults alike. So, during back-to-school time, check in with your children. And if you’re ever concerned that your child is experiencing more stress and anxiety than what’s normal, talk to their doctor.

Most anxiety treatment involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy focuses on facing fears and the feelings that come with them. Some children also benefit from taking anxiety medication.

At Providence, Dr. Meade and other primary care providers are here to support your child’s development — including their mental health.

Contributing caregiver

Elizabeth Meade, M.D., is the medical director of pediatrics at Providence Swedish Pediatric Hospital Medicine in Seattle, Washington.

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