September 10, 2025
-by Janet MacDonald
Ah, September. As summer winds down and the school year begins, I can’t help but reflect on my own experiences – first as a student, and later as a parent sending my children off to class. September is a month filled with excitement, fresh starts, and possibility, but it also comes with plenty of stress.
Growing up in the country (or “the boondocks,” as Joey LeLievre affectionately called it), back-to-school season was mostly exciting. It was a chance to see friends I hadn’t laid eyes on since June. But even then, anxieties crept in: Would I like my new teacher? Would my friends be in my class? What would everyone be wearing? Would someone sit with me on the bus?
Later, raising four children, I came to understand just how much back to school stirs up emotions for everyone in the family. Children may worry about new teachers, making friends, or keeping up with schoolwork. For some, those worries are very real – school is harder for them, and the return in September is something they dread rather than anticipate.
Parents, meanwhile, juggle their own stresses: managing schedules, packing lunches, paying for supplies and extracurricular activities, and wrestling with that nagging thought – Am I doing the right thing, or am I messing them up forever? Paying attention to mental health during this transition can make all the difference, smoothing the way for children and parents alike.
And of course, the stresses don’t end with grade school. When children head off to university, college, or work away from home for the first time, the stakes feel even higher. For students, there are new academic pressures (Can I do this?), unfamiliar social settings (Will I fit in?), and the challenges of independence. Parents are left wondering if they’ve prepared their child for everything the big world will bring. The drop-off at university, I can tell you, can be an emotional one.
So how can families ease the transition and support mental health this time of year?
Tips for easing back-to-school stress
For kids:
– Talk about feelings. Encourage children to share what’s on their mind. Naming a feeling, like “nervous” or “excited,” can actually help reduce its intensity.
– Ease into routines. Start adjusting bedtime and morning schedules a week before school begins. Familiar patterns create a sense of calm.
– Build confidence. Remind kids of their strengths and the activities they enjoy. Confidence helps them face challenges with resilience.
For parents:
– Model calmness. Children pick up on our stress. A deep breath and a calm response can reassure them more than words alone.
– Stay organized. A family calendar for events, activities, and deadlines reduces last-minute panic.
– Validate worries. Instead of brushing off concerns, reflect them back: “I can see you’re nervous. That’s understandable.”
– Practice self-care. Parents need balance too. When you look after yourself, you set a healthy tone for your household.
Mental health challenges for older students
For those leaving home for the first time, the transition can be even tougher. Common challenges include:
– Stress and pressure. Academic demands, new social environments, and greater independence can be overwhelming.
– Anxiety and depression. Studies show high rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms in first-year university students, often tied to social and academic stress.
– Loneliness. Moving away from home means losing established support systems, which can lead to isolation.
– Worsening of pre-existing conditions. New stressors may aggravate earlier struggles with mental health.
Building resilience
Fortunately, there are strategies to help both parents and students build resilience:
– Prioritize self-care. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep are the foundation of well-being.
– Get involved. For older students, joining clubs, sports, or student groups can foster belonging and ease loneliness.
– Develop coping skills. Mindfulness, self-compassion, and simple practices like thought challenging can help manage stress.
When to seek extra help
Some stress is normal, but if worries start showing up as ongoing sleep problems, headaches, stomach-aches, or sudden changes in behavior, it may be time to seek support from a teacher, school counselor, or health professional.
Back-to-school season may always feel a little hectic – lost permission slips, early alarms, and the scramble to find that one missing shoe. But alongside the chaos comes an opportunity to slow down, check in with one another, and remember that no one has it all figured out. Whether it’s sharing supper around the table, walking the dog together, or simply asking, “How was your day?”– those small moments of connection go a long way in supporting mental health for kids and parents alike.
