Back-to-School Prep: A Therapist’s Guide to Supporting Your Child

As summer comes to a close and the new school year approaches, it’s completely normal for both parents and kids to feel a mixture of emotions—excitement, nervousness, even a little dread. Over the years I’ve worked with many families through this transition, and I’ve found that a little preparation can go a long way in helping children start the school year feeling safe, confident, and supported.

Here are some simple, compassionate ways you can support your child’s emotional well-being as they head back to school.

1. Start Talking Early—And Listen Carefully

Begin casual conversations about school a couple of weeks before it starts. Ask open-ended questions like:

• “What are you most excited about this year?”

• “Is there anything you're feeling a little nervous about?”

Validate their feelings, no matter how small they seem. A younger child might be worried about where to sit at lunch, while an older one may have anxiety about social dynamics or academic pressure. You don’t need to fix everything—just listening calmly and lovingly is often enough.

2. Ease into the Routine

Kids thrive on predictability. A few weeks before school starts, gradually reintroduce the school-year routine:

• Earlier bedtimes and wake-up times

• Regular mealtimes

• Limited screen time (especially in the evenings)

Consistency helps kids feel more in control, especially when facing the unknowns of a new classroom or teacher.

3. Visit the School (If Possible)

For younger children or those starting a new school, walking through the school grounds or attending an open house can make the environment feel familiar. Even just seeing the building again can reduce first-day jitters. This is a good time for a family picnic at the school playground.

If you can’t visit, look at pictures of the school online or drive by together. Narrate what to expect—where they might line up, how drop-off works, or what a typical day might look like.

4. Practice Problem-Solving Together

Rather than trying to protect your child from the upcoming challenge, help them build confidence in handling small obstacles. You might say:

• “What could you do if you feel shy on the first day?”

• “Let’s think of a few ways to ask someone to play at recess.”

Role-playing different scenarios gives them tools to feel more empowered. Bonus points if you can make this a silly experience, see if you can elicit some laughter while role playing tricky situations. (Remember always role play as your child first so you can model how to respond.)

5. Watch for Signs of Stress

Some anxiety is normal, but here are signs that your child might be feeling overwhelmed:

• Trouble sleeping

• Tummy aches or headaches without a clear cause

• Irritability or frequent meltdowns

• Withdrawing from things they normally enjoy

If you notice these behaviors lingering past the first few weeks of school, consider reaching out to your child’s teacher or a therapist for support.

6. Model a Calm and Positive Attitude

Our kids pick up on our energy more than our words. If you’re feeling anxious about the transition, that’s okay—but try to process those feelings away from your child. They’ll feel more secure if you present school as a positive (even if occasionally challenging) part of life.

7. Keep the Connection Strong

Even as school routines take over, your relationship with your child remains their greatest source of comfort and resilience. Create simple rituals to stay connected:

• A special handshake at drop-off

• A few minutes to talk or read together before bed

• A weekly "check-in" walk or ice cream date

Final Thought

Back-to-school doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to feel safe. Your presence, patience, and encouragement are what matter most. By tuning into your child’s emotional needs now, you’re laying the foundation for a school year filled with growth, learning, and resilience.

You’ve got this—and so does your child.