Signs of School Anxiety in Children and Ways to Support Them
The start of a new school year brings excitement and anticipation. For most kids, that mix of nerves and eagerness fades within the first week or two. But for children who already live with anxiety disorders or have special learning needs, going back to school can bring on a deeper, more persistent kind of worry.
Here’s what school anxiety can look like, why it happens, and what you can do to help your child move through it.
What School Anxiety Can Look Like
Younger children especially may show school anxiety through physical symptoms and behavior changes rather than saying they’re anxious outright. Common signs include:
Physical complaints, like stomachaches or headaches, often on Sunday nights or Monday mornings
Trying to stay home “sick”
Avoiding homework, after-school activities, or time with friends
Self-critical talk, such as saying they aren’t good at school or won’t be able to succeed
Turning in assignments late or not participating in class
Seeking constant reassurance from parents or teachers
Difficulty concentrating
Oversleeping or struggling to get out the door in the morning
In more extreme cases, panic attacks that can include hyperventilation or feeling faint
It’s worth noting that if these avoidance behaviors are accommodated every time, such as letting a child stay home, skip an assignment, or opt out of an activity, the underlying anxiety tends to get worse rather than better. Kids need to gradually become acclimated to school and to face their anxieties in manageable steps.
Why School Anxiety Happens
At the start of the school year, there’s a lot of uncertainty for kids to sit with. Will they make friends? Will they like their teachers? What about feeling overwhelmed by homework or new responsibilities?
Much of this worry comes from the newness of it all, since children haven’t yet had the chance to build familiarity and confidence in a new classroom routine. Neurodivergent children can carry extra worries about whether they can keep up academically or fit in socially. And when a family is also navigating a divorce, grieving a loss, or adjusting to a new house or school, that added stress can make school anxiety even more intense.
How You Can Support Your Child
There’s a lot parents can do to help a child move through school anxiety rather than avoid it:
Talk with your child about what’s behind their anxiety, keeping the conversation light rather than heavy so they feel safe opening up
Let them know they can always come to you, while gently encouraging them to face their fears instead of avoiding them
Validate their emotions while also helping them notice and lean on their own strengths
Build in things to look forward to, like a fun back-to-school shopping trip or plans for the weekend and evenings together as a family
Celebrate wins, whether it’s a good grade, a new friend, or simply getting through a hard morning, and acknowledge the effort behind those successes
Stay involved at school by attending open house nights and getting to know their teachers
When kids see that their parents are genuinely invested in their learning, they tend to feel more supported, more comfortable, and more likely to succeed.
When to Seek Additional Support
If school anxiety is significantly disrupting your child’s daily life despite your best efforts at home, it may be time to bring in additional support through therapy for children.
If your child’s school anxiety is affecting their wellbeing or your family’s daily life, our therapists are here to help. Our team offers therapy tailored to your child’s needs. Call us today or visit our contact page to learn more or schedule an appointment.
