As children return to classrooms amid ongoing challenges, experts emphasise the importance of open communication, structured routines, and family rituals to support their emotional well-being and ease the transition.
Back-to-school season can stir up a mix of feelings for children and parents alike, from excitement about fresh starts to anxiety about the unknown. Tyreca Elliott of KinderCare Learning Centres’ inclusion services team said it is normal for children to show sadness, isolation or stress, and that the way adults respond can help turn those feelings into confidence and resilience. “Offering comfort, reassurance and assisting with problem solving will help children learn and grow from stress in a positive way.”
One of the most useful steps is to talk before the first day arrives. Family and child development resources, including guidance from Psychology Today and the Canadian Mental Health Organisation, suggest that open-ended questions can help children name what they are feeling and identify what is worrying them. That may mean discussing a new classroom, a different teacher or the prospect of making friends, then working through practical solutions together, such as a visit to the school or a rehearsal of how to introduce themselves.
Routines can also make the transition less daunting. Experts cited by PBS Parents and Penn Foundation recommend easing gradually back into school-night bedtimes and morning schedules before term starts, while keeping expectations steady enough to give children a sense of structure. If plans change, parents should explain why and talk through the adjustment, rather than assuming a child will simply adapt. For younger children who cannot yet tell the time, it can help to frame the day around milestones instead of clock times.
Alongside structure, families are being encouraged to make room for connection. Whether it is a weekend bike ride, Sunday pancakes or a small celebration after the first week of school, shared rituals can give everyone something positive to anticipate. The emphasis, according to the guidance from the related articles, is not on removing all stress but on helping children and adults face it together, with enough reassurance, flexibility and family time to make the return to school feel manageable.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
