Back-to-school anxiety

Tips for parents to stay calm and supportive

As the new school year approaches, many parents find themselves recalling their own childhood struggles, from difficult teachers to social challenges. While they focus on helping their children adjust, they may overlook their own anxiety symptoms. Dr. Christine Korol (Coral) tells us there are some behavioral signs other than worrying you can watch for. 

She added that physical symptoms of anxiety can include overthinking, headaches, trouble sleeping, and a persistent sense of worry. 

It’s normal for parents to feel nervous, especially if their child is also anxious. However, when anxiety starts to interfere with daily life or others notice constant worry, Dr. Korol believes it’s important to address it. 

Parents should remember that feeling anxious doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a real threat. Anxiety is a natural response, but it’s crucial to focus on positive outcomes for the child’s growth. 

Dr. Korol reminds that not every situation will be ideal—whether it’s mismatched teachers or difficult classmates—but parents can shift from worrying to problem-solving. 

By supporting their child through these challenges, parents can help build the child’s confidence. Additionally, children often look to their parents for cues on how to handle difficult situations, so staying calm and composed is key. 

Dr. Korol says parents should remind themselves and their children that they have successfully navigated challenges before and can do so again. 

Anxiety isn’t an emergency; it’s an emotion that can be managed. By maintaining confidence in their child’s ability to cope, parents can create a more stable and reassuring environment during the back-to-school season. 

Over the last decade, Dr. Christine Korol has provided commentary and expert advice to people across North America on mental health topics including healthy boundaries, anxiety and toxic people in all aspects of life. She is also a regular contributor to Psychology Today.

Story by Jeremy Hall