The new school year brings fresh notebooks, new teachers and sometimes unexpected anxiety. If you child or teen seems moody, worried, or disconnected as summer winds down, you’re not alone. August is one of the most emotionally challenging months for students. But there’s a lot parents can do to help. 

1. Back to School Anxiety is Normal (But Shouldn’t Be Ignored)

• Kids of all ages experience stress
• Little ones may cry at drop off or get stomach aches. 
• Teens may feel anxious about grades or fitting in
• College students often struggle with loneliness or homesickness
  
  

2. Signs Your Child May be Struggling: 

• Trouble sleeping or waking up
• Avoiding school talk or refusing to go
• Frequent headaches or stomach pains
• Changes in eating or energy
• Pulling away front friends or hobbies

3. What You Can Do:

• Create a calm, consistent routine the week before school starts
• Limit screen time before bed (especially TikTok/You tube)
• Talk with your child, not just at them-ask how they’re really feeling
• Normalize therapy and counseling: “Talking to someone is strong, not weak.”
• Reach out to teachers or counselors early if you sense something’s off
  
  

4. When to Get Help:

If your child’s mood or behavior is disrupting daily life, don’t wait. Pediatricians, school counselors, child/adolescent psychiatrists and adult psychiatrists are there to help. Early support can prevent bigger struggles later in the year. 

5. Three Core supports every parent and caregiver should know about: 

1. Therapy: A Safe Place to Talk and Learn Skills

Therapy isn’t just for crisis-it’s a tool for growth.

Whether it’s a kindergartener learning how to manage separation anxiety or high schoolers overwhelmed by academic pressure, therapy can provide coping strategies, emotional regulation skills, and a trusted space to talk. 

• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is highly effective for anxiety and depression in youth.
• Play therapy can help younger kids express emotions without needing the perfect words. 
• Family therapy may be helpful when home stress affects school performance. 

Therapy helps kids feel heard-and builds lifelong emotional resilience. 

2. Medication: A Thoughtful Tool, NOT a Last Resort

Psychiatric medications for children are: 

• Evidence based
• Monitored closely by trained professionals
• Often used in combination with therapy for best results

For example, a child with ADHD who struggles to sit still, complete tasks, or manage impulsivity may thrive with a low dose stimulant or non-stimulant medications. Likewise, a teen with depression who can’t get out of bed may benefit from a short-term SSRI while building coping skills in therapy. 

Medication isn’t about changing your child-it’s about helping their brain function more effectively, so they can be their best self. 

3. School Support: Partnering for Success

Schools are part of the mental health team too. If your child is struggling emotionally or academically, they may be eligible for: 

• 504 Plans: For accommodations like extra time on tests, quiet places, or modified homework.
• IEPs(Individualized Education Programs): For students with documented learning or emotional challenges.
• School counselors or psychologists: Many schools have professionals on site to offer short term support or make referrals. 

Don’t wait until grades drop-early communication with the school can open doors to resources and prevent problems from snowballing

Closing: 

Mental health is part of the whole child’s health. Whether it’s therapy, medication, or school accommodations, seeking support is not a failure-it’s an act of care and courage. 

Back to school success isn’t just academic-it’s emotional too. And with the right support in place, every student can feel confident, connected, and ready to learn.