Back-to-School Anxiety in Kids: What’s Normal and What’s Not

The start of a new school year can bring lots of excitement—but also some jitters, especially for kids. As a pediatrician and a mom, I’ve lived this firsthand.

When my kids were in elementary school, their biggest worry was whether they’d get the teacher they were hoping for—or if their best friend would be in the same class. In middle school, that anxiety shifted to whether they’d be on the same lunch shift as their friends. And by high school, the nerves were still there—just different. I remember the mild panic over figuring out where to park or getting lost on the first day of a new schedule.

Many children experience back-to-school anxiety, and the good news is that in most cases, it’s completely normal. But sometimes, anxiety can become more intense, interfere with daily life, or be a sign of something more serious.

Here is how to tell the difference—and what you can do to support your child.

What’s Normal?

Some signs of back-to-school nerves are completely expected, especially in the first couple of weeks:

✅ Mild trouble sleeping the night before school starts

✅ Complaints of “butterflies” in the stomach

✅ Clinginess at morning drop-offs

✅ Worries about making friends, meeting a new teacher, or getting lost at school

✅ Tears that usually stop soon after drop-off

Most kids adjust after a week or two as they settle into new routines and realize things aren’t as scary as they imagined.

When It Might Be More Than Just Jitters

Watch for these signs that anxiety may need more attention:

🚩 Worries that seem excessive or continue beyond the first few weeks

🚩 Frequent headaches or stomachaches without a medical cause

🚩 Refusing to go to school or getting physically ill before school

🚩 Trouble sleeping most nights

🚩 Panic attacks, extreme meltdowns, or prolonged sadness

🚩 Withdrawal from activities or friends they used to enjoy

If you’re seeing these red flags, it’s a good idea to talk with your child’s doctor. We can help screen for anxiety and other mental health concerns and guide you on next steps—whether that’s school counseling, therapy, or other support.

How You Can Help at Home

📝 Get back into routines early.

Predictable mornings, evenings, and bedtimes give kids a sense of security. Many kids are out of a routine in the summer, so starting the school year tired and cranky is never a great way to begin. Start practicing school-day routines a couple of weeks before the first day to make the transition smoother.

💬 Talk through fears.

Let your child know it’s okay to feel nervous and that they’re not alone. Instead of brushing off their worries with “You’ll be fine,” try saying, “I remember feeling nervous before school too.” Ask specific questions like, “What part of the day are you most worried about?” or “Is there something that would help you feel better in the morning?”

Sometimes just naming the fear can make it seem less overwhelming. You can also role-play how to handle certain situations, like introducing themselves to someone new or asking the teacher for help. Practicing these moments gives kids a sense of control and confidence going into the first day.

🎒 Visit the school.

If your child is especially anxious, walk through the building, meet the teacher, or show them their classroom if possible. One of the best ways to ease anxiety is to visit the place your child is nervous about before the pressure is on.

When kids can walk the halls, see their classroom, find their locker, or even practice the drop-off routine in a calm setting, it helps their brain register that space as familiar and safe. Seeing it without stress gives them a mental map to fall back on later—so when the first day arrives and emotions are high, it won’t feel quite so overwhelming. It’s like a rehearsal—and that dry run can make the real thing much easier.

🎧 Model calm.

Kids are incredibly tuned in to our emotions—often more than our words. If they sense that we’re anxious, rushed, or overwhelmed, they’re likely to mirror those feelings. On the flip side, if we stay calm and confident, it reassures them that everything is going to be okay.

That doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect. It means showing them how to manage stress with steadiness. For example, if you’re running late, instead of saying, “We’re going to be late! Hurry up!” try, “We’re running a little behind, but we’ve got this. Let’s keep moving.” That kind of response helps children see that stress doesn’t have to lead to panic. Your attitude sets the emotional tone for the day, and if you treat the first day of school as a positive adventure (even with a few hiccups), your child will be more likely to approach it that way too.

🧡 Celebrate small wins.

For a child who’s feeling anxious, even small accomplishments can be a big deal. Whether it’s walking into school without tears, asking the teacher a question, finding their classroom without help, or simply making it through the day, it’s worth recognizing and celebrating.

You don’t have to throw a party—just a high five, a hug, or saying, “I saw how brave you were today!” can go a long way. When kids feel acknowledged for their efforts, it builds their confidence and helps them feel more capable of handling the next challenge.

You might even set small goals together, like, “Let’s try to say hi to one new person today,” or “Let’s make it through the morning drop-off without any tears.” Every time they succeed, they’re building emotional resilience—and that’s always worth cheering for.

When to Call Us

If your child’s back-to-school worries are starting to interfere with their sleep, appetite, behavior, or ability to attend school, give us a call. The earlier we address anxiety, the easier it is to manage.

We are here to support your child’s whole health—body and mind—as they start the new school year. Let’s make it a great one!

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📞 Need to schedule an appointment or speak to one of our providers? Call Mid City Pediatrics today at 318-221-2225