Tackling Transition & School Anxiety with Your Child
Much of childhood requires learning to cope with transition. Whether it’s the start of a new school year, the onset of puberty or the return to a regular routine after a prolonged absence, these changes can bring anxiety and uncertainty. As a parent, you play a key role in helping your child navigate transitions with confidence.
Understanding childhood anxiety around change
If your child is stressed about returning to school each fall, they’re not alone. Studies show that 64% of children experience school-related anxiety (Nemours Children’s Health), ranging from worries about making friends to handling homework. Even small transitions, like adjusting to a new teacher or schedule, can feel overwhelming.
For older kids, puberty introduces another layer of uncertainty. Many adolescents feel self-conscious about the changes happening in their bodies and struggle with identity issues as they compare themselves to their peers. It’s a time of physical, emotional and social development, and not all kids mature at the same rate. Some may hit growth spurts early, while others develop later. The key message to your child should be that it’s okay to grow and change at your own pace.
Identity and mental health in adolescence
Puberty is the perhaps the most marked period of transition in childhood, but it isn’t just about physical changes. It’s also when mental health conditions often emerge. Studies show that 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14 (American Psychiatric Association), making it a critical time for emotional well-being. It’s also when many kids begin exploring aspects of their identity, including gender and sexual orientation. These discoveries can contribute to anxiety, especially if kids feel different from their peers.
Encourage open, judgment-free conversations about identity and emotions. Let your child know that feeling different is normal and that they are not alone in their experiences. Supportive spaces — at home, in peer groups, or through professional counseling — can make a difference in helping them navigate these transitions with confidence.
Helping kids return to school after a prolonged absence
For children who have taken time away from school due to health challenges or other needs, returning can feel overwhelming. They may worry about falling behind academically, reconnecting with friends or facing stigma. As a parent, you can help by:
Communicating with the school – Work with teachers, counselors or a care management team to create a transition plan that includes academic and emotional support.
Encouraging gradual reintegration – If possible, start with half-days or modified schedules to ease back into the routine. Connecting with support networks – Whether through therapy, peer groups or online resources, finding a community that understands their experience can provide reassurance.
Utilizing care management services – Clinically trained care managers can help with day-to-day wellness through your health plan, ensuring your child has access to the right tools as they adjust back into school life.
How parents can be proactive
Transitions will always bring some level of stress, but knowing when anxiety crosses into something more serious is critical. Pay attention to changes if mood, sleep, appetite or social behavior last more than a couple of weeks. If your child becomes withdrawn, frequently complains of stomachaches or headaches, or avoids school, it could be a sign that they need additional support.
Start a conversation by validating their feelings: “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed really down about school lately. Do you want to talk about what’s on your mind?” Normalize emotions while offering solutions. If concerns persist, consider seeking help from a counselor, pediatrician or mental health professional.
