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Helping Ease Back-to-School Anxiety
August 18, 2026
Back to School
Helping Ease Back-to-School Anxiety
Going back to school can bring feelings of anxiety and nervousness for children, parents, and even teachers. The good news is that there are simple ways to help ease those back-to-school jitters.
For families For children Anxiety support
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Becky Duncan, MS, LMHC, NCC
Mental Health Counselor, Crown Point
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Back-to-school jitters are normal.
With open communication, preparation, and encouragement, these nerves can be managed.
Whether it is the first day of kindergarten or the first day of senior year, the start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. That combination is completely normal. The tips below can help your family move through those feelings together.
1 Name Your Feelings and Talk About Them
Encourage each other to identify and talk about how they are feeling. Putting feelings into words can make them feel less overwhelming and reminds everyone that it is okay to feel nervous about something new.
The more we talk about how we are feeling, the less scary it becomes.
2 Establish a Routine
Creating a consistent routine helps ease anxiety by providing a sense of predictability. Knowing what to expect throughout the day can help children feel more comfortable and prepared. Start building the routine a week or two before school begins so it feels familiar by day one.
3 Focus on the Positives
Talk about the things your family can look forward to when returning to school. This might include:
- Seeing friends again
- Returning to a favorite class or activity
- Being one step closer to graduation or the next grade
4 Prepare Ahead of Time
Taking care of small tasks ahead of time can help reduce unnecessary stress on the morning of. Set out outfits, pack backpacks, and gather school supplies the night before.
Being prepared eases anxiety. And choosing an outfit you feel good in can help you walk through that door with a little more confidence.
5 Attend Meet-the-Teacher Night
Meeting the teacher before school starts helps take some of the unknown out of day one. When the first day arrives, the teacher and classroom will already feel a little more familiar and a lot less intimidating. If your school offers an orientation or open house, take advantage of it.
Back-to-School Prep Checklist
Talk about feelings -- name them out loud as a family.
Start the school-year routine 1 to 2 weeks early.
Identify one or two things to look forward to.
Pack bags and set out clothes the night before.
Attend meet-the-teacher night at your school.
This article is for general education and encouragement. It is not a replacement for counseling or crisis support. If your child or family is facing immediate safety concerns, seek emergency help right away.
New Leaf Resources
When anxiety becomes too much, we are here to help.
If back-to-school anxiety continues into the school year or becomes overwhelming, reach out to us. We can work together to provide the support and tools needed to make the school year feel more manageable.
Back-to-school jitters are a normal part of the season. With a little preparation, open communication, and encouragement, your family can move through them together. And when you need a little extra support, New Leaf Resources is here.
About the Author
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Becky Duncan, MS, LMHC, NCC
Mental Health Counselor, Crown Point
Becky works in the Crown Point office and specializes in working with children and adolescents. Her areas of interest include relationship issues, family issues, school issues, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and human sexuality. She also serves as the lead clinician for NLR's school partnership program.
Becky works with each client and family as a team. She uses expressive arts, person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and art therapy. "I am passionate about helping people feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves in therapy. I use art to help clients express themselves in a way that they may not have ever been able to do before."
Education
BA in Education, Purdue University Calumet
MS in Education and Counseling, Purdue University Northwest
Licenses and Certifications
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Certification in Expressive Arts
Certified Indiana School Counselor
Certified Indiana Teaching License
Becky brings experience from elementary, middle school, and high school counseling, as well as residential homes and private practice. She has worked with clients from toddlers through young adults and families. As a former teacher and school counselor, she brings a wide range of experience across different populations and settings.