Getting Ready for Back-to-School: A Parenting Guide from Sunrise Counseling
As summer winds down, parents in Dallas are gearing up for the new school year. At Sunrise Counseling, we know that emotional readiness is just as important as packing backpacks. Here are tips to support your child during this transition and practical strategies if anxiety is involved.
1. Ease into the School-Year Routine Early
Begin shifting bedtimes, wake‑up times, and meal routines about one to two weeks before the first day of school. This gradual adjustment helps children settle into the structure of early mornings, homework, and after‑school activities. It also means fewer tears on that first hectic Monday morning.
2. Minimize Screen Time Before School Starts
Start reducing recreational screen use—TV, tablets, phones—a couple of weeks before school begins. This helps kids adapt to a schedule with fewer distractions and readies them mentally for classroom focus.
3. Open the Communication Channels
Talk with your child about what they’re excited or worried about. Instead of dismissing concerns, validate them: “It’s okay to feel nervous about a new teacher or classmates.” Let them know many kids feel the same way.
4. Practice the School Environment
Visit the school in advance: walk the halls, locate classrooms, the cafeteria, restrooms, or a drop‑off point. Meeting the teacher beforehand, or walking through the morning drop‑off routine, can significantly ease first‑day nerves.
5. Build Bridges Before Day One
Organize a playdate or school meet-up with a friend from class. Feeling connected socially before school begins can ease anxiety and help shift focus away from fears.
6. Watch Out for Signs of Anxiety
Keep an eye on changes in sleep, appetite, mood, clinginess, headaches, or reluctance to attend school. If these issues last more than two weeks, or interfere with daily life, consider reaching out to a therapist for additional support.
Photo by Jason Sung on Unsplash
Special Focus: Supporting Anxious Children
Kids prone to anxiety often feel stressed by school changes like new teachers, schedules, or social pressures. Here’s how parents can help them cope:
Validate Emotions, Don’t Rationalize Away
Avoid generic reassurances. Instead, say things like, “I understand this feels tough.” Help them feel understood rather than shrugged off.
Introduce Small Steps Through Exposure
Rather than avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, encourage gradual exposure. For instance, walk to the bus stop, explore the classroom, or role-play separation. Praise brave actions: “You did so well walking in on your own this morning!”
Teach Relaxation and Coping Tools
Help them practice deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness. Establish a worry journal or “worry monster” for younger kids to externalize anxious thoughts.
Break Down Big Fears into Manageable Steps
Use a “fear ladder”: identify what’s hardest (e.g. lunchroom noise) and build up from easier challenges (holding their tray). Incremental victories build confidence.
Collaborate on Solutions
Ask your child for ideas on what might help: quieter seating? a buddy at the gate? Empowering them to co-create solutions boosts control.
Model Calm and Confidence
Children often mirror their parents. If you’re anxious, take steps to manage it privately so your child sees calm, steady behavior instead.
Know When to Seek Help
If your child’s anxiety persists, disrupts their school attendance, or affects daily life, therapy might help.
Why Sunrise Counseling Can Help
At Sunrise Counseling, we have therapists that specialize in childhood anxiety and school transitions. We offer supportive sessions for parents and children to build tools for resilience and confidence. Our goal is to build smoother transitions, emotional strength, and a positive mindset for the school year ahead.
If you or your child would like support to help with the transition back to school, Sunrise Counseling is here for you.
1. Contact Sunrise Counseling
2. Meet with one of our caring therapists
Mental Health Services at Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, TX
Sunrise Counseling offers a variety of mental health services in our Dallas TX-based therapy office and offers telehealth therapy to those residing in Texas and Colorado. Mental health services we provide at Sunrise Counseling include: