As the school year approaches, many parents and students begin to feel the familiar stirrings of excitement—alongside a rising wave of anxiety. While it’s normal to feel nervous before big transitions, for some kids and teens, school anxiety can feel overwhelming.
If your child is struggling to sleep, complains of stomachaches, or becomes tearful or withdrawn at the mention of school, you’re not alone. School anxiety is more common than you think—and with the right support, it can get better.
What Is School Anxiety?
School anxiety is a type of performance, social, or separation anxiety triggered by the demands of school life. It can show up as:
Fear of being away from home
Worry about grades, tests, or speaking in class
Anxiety about making friends or fitting in
Dread about bullying, conflict, or overstimulation at school
It can affect children of all ages, from kindergarteners to high school seniors.
Signs of School Anxiety
Not every child will say, “I’m anxious about school.” Often, anxiety shows up as physical or behavioral symptoms, including:
Frequent stomachaches or headaches
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Refusing to go to school (“school refusal”)
Irritability, meltdowns, or mood swings
Avoidance of homework or social events
Excessive reassurance-seeking (“Will I be okay?”)
If these signs persist for more than a few weeks, it may be time to explore deeper support.
How Parents Can Help
You don’t need to fix everything—but your calm, validating presence can make a huge difference.
Here’s how to help:
1. Listen Without Rushing to Solve
Create space for your child to share their worries. Say things like:
“That sounds really hard. Do you want to talk about it or just sit together for a bit?”
2. Normalize the Feelings
Let them know that anxiety is common and manageable:
“Lots of kids feel nervous before school starts. You’re not alone.”
3. Practice Coping Skills Together
Try deep breathing, journaling, or “worry time” where you set aside 10 minutes to talk through fears.
4. Create a Predictable Routine
Consistency builds a sense of safety. Try to stick to consistent wake-up times, meals, and screen limits.
5. Take Small Steps
Help your child face fears in gradual ways. For example, do a walk-through of the school, meet the teacher, or role-play tough social situations.
6. Seek Professional Support When Needed
If school anxiety is impacting your child’s daily life or your family’s wellbeing, therapy can help. A trained therapist can teach coping tools, improve confidence, and work with schools when needed.
Need Support?
If your child is struggling with school anxiety, I offer therapy services that help kids and teens manage stress, build emotional resilience, and succeed in school. Therapist at Peaceful Horizons Counseling is here to help! Schedule a free consultation to learn more.
