As summer draws to a close, many children eagerly anticipate the start of a new school year. Yet for others, the transition can trigger significant anxiety, stemming from disrupted routines, academic pressures, and social uncertainties. A recent survey found that 64% of children's worries are school-related, highlighting the prevalence of this issue.
According to cognitive neuroscientist Robert Alexander, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling and wellness at New York Institute of Technology, anxiety during transitions is rooted in the brain's predictive nature. "Our brains are prediction machines, and our nervous systems constantly try to anticipate what will happen next, so that we can respond appropriately and stay safe," he explains. "The beginning of a new school year disrupts many of those predictions all at once—old routines are broken, expectations and environments change, children are presented with new classrooms, teachers, classmates, and other daily adjustments."
While some nervousness is developmentally normal, for children prone to anxiety, the return to school can be overwhelming. Alexander emphasizes the importance of recognizing indirect signs of anxiety, which may include changes in sleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating, appetite changes, clinginess, or social withdrawal. "Children often express anxiety indirectly," he notes.
To mitigate anxiety, preparation is key. "Preparation helps make things more predictable and allows us to adapt to changes," Alexander says. He recommends visiting the school, discussing routines, and gradually re-establishing bedtimes before classes begin. "Sleep, in particular, plays a major role in emotional regulation and stress resilience," he adds.
Parents also play a crucial role in setting the emotional tone. "Children often look to adults for cues on how they should respond to a situation. Responding with calm confidence can send a powerful message of safety," Alexander explains. Additionally, children can practice simple calming techniques, such as slow breathing—inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for six—to manage overwhelming feelings in the moment.
However, Alexander cautions against eliminating all anxiety. "Confidence grows through small wins. Knowing that you can handle a situation can help you deal with future situations more effectively," he says. "When children successfully introduce themselves to a new friend, find their new classroom, or survive their first week at a new school, they learn that they are capable in those environments. But children who are prone to anxiety may need some extra help moving through those feelings successfully."
Alexander is one of many New York Tech faculty members lending their expertise to address real-world challenges. For more information, visit nyit.edu.
