Updated 6/25/2026

The transition back to class as summer ends can be a stressful time for children and parents alike. Parents or caregivers may notice their children showing nervousness about new routines, schoolwork or social interactions. That’s often a normal part of back-to-school jitters that diminish over a few weeks, says Johns Hopkins Children’s Center psychologist Erika Chiappini, who provides these tips and helpful information about easing your child’s back-to-school anxiety.

1. Prepare for the Change in Routine

A week or two before school, begin preparing your child for the upcoming transition by resuming school-year routines, such as gradually shifting toward realistic bedtimes and wake times and selecting tomorrow’s clothes.

2. Bring Their Friends Around 

Arrange play dates with one or more familiar peers before school starts. Research shows that the presence of a familiar peer during school transitions can improve children’s academic and emotional adjustment.

3. Visit the School 

Visit the school before the school year begins, rehearse the drop-off and spend time on the playground or inside the classroom if the building is open. Have your child practice walking into class while you wait outside or down the hall. 

4. Reward Independent Behavior 

Come up with a prize or a rewarding activity that the child could earn for separating from mom or dad to attend school. Make a plan to have a preferred snack or engage in other relaxing or fun activities after school.

5. Talk About Their Feelings 

Validate the child’s worry by acknowledging that, like any new activity, starting school can be hard but soon becomes easy and fun. Come up with a coping plan that they can use in school if something feels hard, such as something they can tell themselves, a person they can go to or even thinking through who they can play with during recess.  

What to do if Anxiety Persists 

Anxiety symptoms that persist beyond the first few weeks of school and that seem excessive may require consultation with an expert. 

There are several easy ways to tell when a child’s anxiety is cause for concern, including:

• Tantrums when separating from parents or caregivers to attend school 
• Difficulty getting along with family members or friends
• Avoidance of normal activities in and outside of school
• Symptoms such as stomachaches, fatigue, difficulty sleeping alone 

When to Consider Consulting a Professional for Your Child’s Back-to-School Anxiety 

If after the first month or so, your child continues to show distress around school that is not improving or if the child’s symptoms are worsening, it may be time to seek an evaluation from a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Consulting a mental health professional can help children and parents understand the child’s symptoms and work together on resolving them.

“There are several ways to address anxiety, such as with a particular type of therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches the child and parent skills to address and confront anxiety,” Chiappini explains.

Your child’s practitioner may also recommend medication to address anxiety. “Medication, alone or in combination with therapy, is another option that can help to improve symptoms of anxiety and get kids back to their regular activities,” she says.

Medically reviewed by Erika Alana Chiappini, Ph.D.