Dealing with Back-to-School Jitters: Tips for Parents and Kids

25 October 2025

The transition from summer fun to school routines can be a rollercoaster of emotions for kids—and let’s be real, for parents too. Back-to-school jitters? Yep, they're real. Whether it’s excitement, nerves, or that pit-in-your-stomach feeling, it all comes with the territory. But don’t worry! With the right approach, you can ease those first-day fears for your child (and maybe even for yourself).

In this article, we’re diving into practical, stress-busting tips that’ll have both you and your kid feeling ready to conquer the school year. From bedtime routines to calming nerves on the big day, I’ve got you covered. Let’s tackle those back-to-school jitters like pros!

Why Do Kids Get Back-to-School Jitters?

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: It’s totally normal for kids to feel anxious before school starts. They’re stepping into a world of "what ifs." What if my teacher is strict? What if I don’t make friends? What if I forget where the bathroom is? These are big worries for little minds!

For some kids, it’s excitement that makes them jittery. For others, it’s pure anxiety. Regardless of the cause, your job is to help them process those feelings and turn the nerves into confidence. But hey, you’re not alone—every parent is in the same boat at this time of year.

Signs Your Child Might Be Feeling Nervous

Kids don’t always come out and say, “Hey Mom, I’m anxious about school!” Instead, their worries can show up in sneaky ways. Here are some common signs to look out for:

- Clinginess: Are they glued to your side all of a sudden?
- Irritability: Are small things upsetting them more than usual?
- Changes in sleep patterns: Having trouble falling asleep or waking up multiple times during the night.
- Loss of appetite: Suddenly not hungry at mealtime.
- Physical complaints: “My stomach hurts” or “I have a headache,” which might really be stress talking.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s time to step in and help them manage those big emotions.

How Parents Can Help Ease Back-to-School Jitters

Okay, so now that we know the ‘what’ and the ‘why,’ let’s talk solutions! Here’s how you, as a parent, can help calm those pre-school nerves:

1. Start the School Routine Early

Ease your child into the school vibe before the first day. Start enforcing bedtime and wake-up routines at least a week before school starts. Trust me, kids are like houseplants—they thrive on consistency. The earlier they adjust to the rhythm, the smoother that first week will be.

It’s not just about bedtime though. Practice packing lunch, laying out clothes, and even doing a “trial run” of the drive or walk to school. Familiarity breeds comfort, and this will help their little brains feel prepared.

2. Talk It Out

Sometimes, kids need to verbalize their fears to make sense of them. Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s the part you’re most excited about?” or “Is there anything you’re nervous about?” This gives them permission to open up.

When they share their worries, resist the urge to say, “Oh, you’ll be fine, don’t worry!” While well-meaning, that can feel dismissive. Instead, validate their feelings: “I get it. Starting something new can feel really overwhelming. But remember last year? You were nervous then, and look how well you did!”

3. Visit the School (If Possible)

If your child is attending a new school, try to visit it beforehand if the option is available. Show them their classroom, walk through the hallways, and even find the bathrooms and cafeteria. If there’s an orientation day or meet-the-teacher event, jump on that opportunity.

A little recon can turn a big, scary campus into familiar territory. It’s like giving them a sneak peek of the movie before it premieres!

4. Prepare Together

Get your child involved in the back-to-school prep. Let them pick out their backpack, lunchbox, or some fun school supplies. When kids have a say in the process, it gives them a sense of control, making them feel more empowered.

Don’t forget to create a checklist together! “Okay, let’s make sure we’ve got pencils, erasers, notebooks… oh, and extra snacks!” Checklists work wonders for calming those anxious, overthinking minds.

5. Role-Play Scenarios

Is your kid nervous about making friends? What about raising their hand in class? Role-playing common school situations can help them feel ready. You take the role of the new friend or teacher, and let your child practice what they’d say or do.

It might feel silly at first, but trust me, this works! It’s like rehearsing for a play—when opening night comes, they’ll know their lines.

6. Focus on the Positives

Sometimes, kids need a little help shifting their mindset. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, get them excited about the things that could go right. Remind them of the fun lunchbox you packed, the art or gym classes they love, or maybe seeing their old friends again.

You can say things like, “I heard your new teacher loves science experiments—how cool is that?” or “I bet you’re going to have so many stories to tell me after school.”

7. Create a Morning Ritual

Let’s talk about mornings. They can make or break a first day! Create a simple, calming morning ritual that you do together. It could be as small as sitting down for breakfast at the same time every day or a special goodbye handshake before they hop on the bus.

Little rituals like these provide reassurance and routine, grounding your child as they head out the door.

Empowering Kids to Manage Their Own Nerves

It’s one thing for us parents to swoop in as the ultimate problem-solvers, but long-term, kids need to learn how to handle their anxiety on their own. Here are some actionable strategies they can use:

1. Deep Breathing

Teach your child simple deep-breathing exercises. When their nerves spike, tell them to take a deep breath in through their nose, hold it for three seconds, then release slowly through their mouth. It’s like hitting the pause button on their stress.

2. Positive Self-Talk

Encourage them to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. If they’re thinking, “What if no one likes me?” they can reframe it as, “I’m friendly, and I’ll make friends just like I did last year.”

3. Stress Relief Items

Let them carry a small comfort item in their pocket, like a lucky coin or a stress ball. It’s like their little secret weapon against anxiety!

Your Emotions Matter Too, Mom and Dad!

Spoiler alert: Back-to-school jitters aren’t just a kid thing. Parents feel it too! Whether it’s worrying about how your child will adjust, or the guilt of enjoying some newfound quiet time at home (hey, no judgment), you’ve got your own set of butterflies.

The best thing you can do is model calmness. Kids are like sponges—they pick up on your energy. If you’re visibly stressed, they’ll mirror that. Instead, show them confidence. Act like you believe they’ll do amazing, even if inside you’re a nervous wreck!

The Bottom Line: Nervousness Is Temporary

The first week of school can be a big adjustment, but here’s the silver lining: Back-to-school jitters don’t last forever. By being proactive, communicating openly, and fostering a supportive environment, you can help your child feel ready to take on the new year.

So, let’s make a pact: No more sleepless nights worrying about the first day of school. We’ve got this, and so do they!