How to Ease Your Child With New School Anxiety

Starting a new school can be daunting for any child, but for those with anxiety, the experience can be...

Anxiety
May 11, 2025

Starting a new school can be daunting for any child, but for those with anxiety, the experience can be overwhelming.

There are many factors that can cause anxiety, and your child might need some help adapting to their new situation.

This challenge can be overcome with some understanding and support from you, as well as some simple coping strategies.

Here are some tips to help ease your child's transition and make the experience more positive.

Understand Your Child's Anxiety

Before you can help your child, it's important to try to understand what is causing their anxiety.

  • Is it because they are unfamiliar with the new settings?
  • Do they feel like they won't fit in with their classmates?
  • Are they worried about being away from home?

Once you know what is causing the anxiety, you can start to look for ways to help your child cope.

Once you know what is causing the anxiety, you can start to look toward helping those causes.

This is an important step in learning how to ease your child with new school anxiety.

a young child writing while reading a book in a classroom

Talk to Your Child About Their Anxiety

Talking to your child about their anxiety can be helpful in two ways.

First, it will help them to understand that their feelings are normal and that you understand what they are going through.

Second, it will give you an opportunity to offer support and reassurance.

Let them know that you are available to talk anytime they need to and that you will help them through this transition.

Make sure to keep the lines of communication open when learning how to ease your child with new school anxiety.

Help Them Prepare for the New School Year

You can help your child ease their anxiety by helping them prepare for the new school year.

Talk to them about what to expect and help them pack their supplies and choose their clothes. You can also review the school's website together and look at pictures of their new classmates.

If your child is old enough, involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible.

This will help them feel more in control and less anxious about the unknown.

If possible, take a tour of the school with them so they can see where they will be going and who their teacher will be.

This step could help when learning how to ease your child with new school anxiety.

Encourage Them to Make Friends

One way to ease your child's anxiety is to encourage them to make friends.

You can do this by helping them practice social skills, such as starting a conversation or joining in on activities.

Some other things you can do, depending on age, is to set up playdates with classmates before school starts or help them join an extracurricular activity they are interested in.

You can also look for opportunities for them to meet new people, such as signing them up for a club or sport.

Encourage Your Child to be Themselves

It's important that your child feels like they can be themselves at school.

Encourage them to be kind and respectful to others, but also remind them that it's okay to be different.

Help them find ways to express their personalities, such as through their clothes or the artwork they hang up in their locker.

remind them that everyone is unique and that's what makes the school special.

a student looking up and writing in a classroom

Teach Them Relaxation Techniques

There are many relaxation techniques that can help ease anxiety.

Some simple ones include deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and visualization.

You can also try to find a quiet place for them to go to when they are feeling overwhelmed.

This could be a spot in the library, a garden, or even just a comfortable chair in a quiet corner.

Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can go a long way in helping to reduce anxiety.

Make sure your child is eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

You can also help by teaching them how to manage their time and handle stress in healthy ways.

For example, you can show them how to take breaks, stay organized, and set realistic goals.

Seek Professional Help in Needed

If your child's anxiety is severe or if you've tried everything else and nothing seems to be working, it might be time to seek professional help.

A therapist can help your child understand and manage their anxiety.

They can also teach you and your child coping skills to use in difficult situations.

If your child is struggling with anxiety, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

There are many resources available to you and your family.

With the right support, your child can overcome their anxiety and thrive in their new school.

Reward Them For Their Progress

As your child starts to manage their anxiety and make progress, be sure to celebrate their accomplishments.

This could be something as simple as a special treat or a fun activity together. Some other things you can do are:

  • Make a chart to track their progress
  • Give them encouraging notes
  • Let them pick out a new toy or book

Whatever you do, make sure your child knows that you are proud of them and that they are not alone in this journey.

Recognizing their efforts will help them feel proud of their achievements and motivated to continue working hard.

Easing your child's anxiety about starting school doesn't have to be difficult.

By taking the time to prepare and teach them healthy coping skills, you can help them feel confident and ready to face the new school year.

Disclaimer

The information in this article should be used for informational purposes only.

This content should not be used as a substitute for official medical advice.

If you need a professional to help please reach out to a licensed professional.

They can help provide you with the tools you need to navigate anxiety situations.

Conclusion

Anxiety is a natural emotion that everyone experiences at one point or another.

Learning how to ease your child with new school anxiety can be a positive difference in helping your child navigate their education.

For some people, anxiety can be more severe and interfere with their daily lives.

If your child is starting school and has anxiety about the transition, there are many things you can do to ease their worries.

If you need professional help, please seek a licensed professional.

All of this support could give you live a healthier mental life.

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Anxiety

Are there specific therapy services for anxiety and depression covered by Medicaid?

Yes, Medicaid provides insurance coverage for therapy services specifically designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Access to licensed therapists who specialize in these areas is available within the Medicaid network.

How do I know if my therapist is a good fit for me?

It's important that you feel comfortable discussing personal matters with your therapist in order to open up and get more out of therapy sessions; therefore finding someone who meets certain criteria like experience level, expertise areas, and personality is key when selecting a therapist who can give meaningful feedback about how best handle issues related to anxiety or other mental health concerns.

What can I do to reduce my anxiety?

To reduce your anxiety, you can practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness practices. Additionally, regular exercise has been found to be beneficial in managing stress and improving mental health.

Why is it important to address anxiety?

Addressing anxiety is crucial because it can significantly impact your quality of life and overall well-being. Left untreated, anxiety can lead to more severe mental health issues, relationship problems, and difficulty functioning in daily life.

Will medication help with my anxiety?

Medication is often prescribed for anxiety due to the fact that it works quickly to ease symptoms of distress or panic attacks in some cases. However, this should always be discussed with your doctor so they can provide guidance on what's right for you and the type of medication best suited for your needs.

How long does anxiety counseling typically take?

The duration of anxiety counseling varies for each individual, depending on the severity of their anxiety and their progress in therapy. Our therapists will regularly assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.