Expert Offers Strategies to Ease Children's Back-to-School Anxiety

As summer draws to a close, many children look forward to the excitement of a new school year. However, for others, the transition to structured routines, academic pressures, and social challenges can trigger significant anxiety. A recent survey found that 64% of children's worries are school-related, highlighting the prevalence of this issue.

According to cognitive neuroscientist Robert Alexander, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling and wellness at New York Institute of Technology, the root of this anxiety lies in the brain's predictive nature. “Our brains are prediction machines, and our nervous systems constantly try to anticipate what will happen next, so that we can respond appropriately and stay safe,” he explains. “The beginning of a new school year disrupts many of those predictions all at once—old routines are broken, expectations and environments change, children are presented with new classrooms, teachers, classmates, and other daily adjustments.”

While some nervousness during transitions is developmentally normal, for children prone to anxiety, returning to school can be especially overwhelming. Alexander emphasizes that parents should recognize the signs, which may not always be obvious. “Children often express anxiety indirectly,” he says, noting that common indicators include changes in sleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating, appetite changes, clinginess, or social withdrawal.

The best way to reduce anxiety, Alexander advises, is through preparation. “Preparation helps make things more predictable and allows us to adapt to changes. Visiting the school, discussing routines, and gradually re-establishing bedtimes before classes begin can all help children feel more secure,” he says. He highlights the critical role of sleep in emotional regulation and stress resilience.

Parents also play a pivotal role in shaping their child's emotional response. “Children often look to adults for cues on how they should respond to a situation. Responding with calm confidence can send a powerful message of safety,” Alexander explains. Additionally, teaching children simple calming techniques, such as slow breathing—inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for six—can help them manage overwhelming feelings in the moment.

However, Alexander cautions against completely eliminating a child's anxiety, as a healthy amount can foster resilience. “Confidence grows through small wins. Knowing that you can handle a situation can help you deal with future situations more effectively,” he notes. “When children successfully introduce themselves to a new friend, find their new classroom, or survive their first week at a new school, they learn that they are capable in those environments. But children who are prone to anxiety may need some extra help moving through those feelings successfully.”

Alexander is one of many New York Tech faculty members lending their expertise to address real-world challenges. For more information, visit nyit.edu.