Back-to-School Emotions Are Real (For Kids and Parents)

Back-to-school season has a way of sneaking up on us faster than a cup of coffee disappears in the morning. 🙃☕. In my home, this year feels especially big. My daughter is starting 1st grade at a new elementary school (still in our district), and my son is heading into kinder prep. At the same time, I’m navigating co-parenting, running my counseling practice, and managing the everyday chaos that life brings.

With all of these transitions, there are a lot of emotions swirling around—for my kids and for me. Excitement, nerves, anticipation, and adjustment are all part of the mix. And that’s normal. Change always stirs feelings.

As both a mom and a Licensed Professional Counselor, here are a few strategies that can help families navigate this season:

Validate Feelings

When your child shares that they’re nervous about school, don’t brush it off.

Instead of “You’ll be fine,” try:

“I can see this feels big, and I’m right here with you.”

Validation builds trust and gives kids permission to feel.

2. Create Rituals of Comfort

Anchor the day with small traditions:
- A silly morning playlist
- A hug + high-five at drop-off
- Lunchbox notes
- A short “morning mantra,” like “I am brave. I am kind. I am ready for today.”

These rituals create consistency when everything feels new.

3. Plan Ahead (with Flexibility)

Setting out clothes, prepping lunches, and packing backpacks the night before can ease the morning rush. Even if things aren’t perfect, kids benefit most from structure and calm.

4. Model Calm and Confidence

Children mirror what they see. A deep breath, smile, or calm “We’ve got this” is often more powerful than a pep talk.

5. Build in Downtime

After school, many kids need 20–30 minutes of quiet before homework or dinner. Avoiding overpacked evenings gives them the space to reset emotionally.

6. Keep Conversations Open

Swap the usual “How was your day?” for open-ended questions like:
- What made you smile today? What was tough? Who did you sit with at lunch?

7. Give Yourself Grace

Parents—you’re adjusting too. Some mornings will be messy, and that’s okay. What matters most is showing up with love and patience, not perfection.

Final Thoughts …

Back-to-school is a season of transition, not perfection. With empathy, structure, and maybe an extra cup of coffee, we can help our kids—and ourselves—feel more prepared, supported, and confident as we start a new year. 🌟

Parent Resource Section:

Children’s Books for Big Feelings:

- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson — great for easing fears about fitting in.
- The Invisible String by Patrice Karst — comforting for separation anxiety.
- Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes — relatable story for anxious kids.

Coping Tools at Home:

- Feelings Chart: Helps younger kids name and share their emotions.
- Calm Corner: A small space with soft toys, books, or fidgets for kids to reset.
- Routine Charts: Visual reminders for morning and bedtime routines.

## Ready for Support?
If you’d like help navigating back-to-school emotions—for parents and/or children—email me at aliciaacoffmanllc@gmail.com or click the inquiry link on my page for a faster response. I’d be honored to support your family. 💛