Back-to-school season can bring excitement as well as anxiety. Transitions such as starting a new grade, entering high school, or moving away to college are major stress points for children and young adults. Children already coping with depression or anxiety may feel especially overwhelmed by these changes. Parents cannot prevent every stressor but can buffer children by offering support, structure, and understanding. Listening and empathy help children feel understood and better able to manage difficult emotions. Consistent routines for sleep, meals, and exercise boost resilience and focus. Parents should watch for changes in mood, sleep, or energy and regard seeking help as a sign of strength.
Back-to-school season can bring excitement as well as anxiety. Research consistently shows that transitions-whether starting a new grade, entering high school, or moving away to college-are major stress points for children and young adults. For kids already coping with depression or anxiety, these changes can feel especially overwhelming. As parents, we cannot prevent every stressor, but we can buffer our children against them by offering support, structure, and understanding.
Normalize stress. Adolescents benefit when adults validate their feelings. Something as simple as saying, "I can see this is stressful for you, and that's understandable," reduces shame and encourages open dialogue. Encourage healthy routines. Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep per night, along with consistent nutrition and exercise, to regulate mood and attention. Supporting your teen in building routines has both physical and psychological benefits.
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