The start of a new school year brings excitement and fresh routines—but for many children, it also brings school anxiety. Whether it’s nervousness about a new teacher, fear of separation, or pressure to succeed, school-related stress is common across all age groups.
For some children, this anxiety is short-lived. But for others, it can cause significant distress and disrupt daily life. The good news? With patience, preparation, and professional support, kids can navigate the transition with resilience and confidence.
At Sunstone Counseling, we support families through challenges like school anxiety using proven approaches, including play therapy for school stress and individualized counseling. Here’s how to recognize the signs and support your child through this important transition.
Help your child feel calm and confident this school year—book a session with a Sunstone child therapist today.
4 Common Causes of School Anxiety
School anxiety looks different for every child, but common triggers include:
1. Separation Anxiety
Most common in younger children starting school, separation anxiety may stem from worries about being away from caregivers or navigating unfamiliar environments.
2. Social Stress
Fear of making friends, fitting in, or facing peer pressure can cause school anxiety, especially in children with social anxiety.
3. Academic Pressure
Even in elementary school, kids can internalize expectations to succeed. Fear of failure or test anxiety may lead to avoidance behaviors and low self-esteem.
4. Changes in Routine
Returning to structured schedules after summer can be overwhelming, particularly for children who struggle with transitions.
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling
Some signs of school anxiety are obvious, while others are more subtle. Watch for:
- Frequent physical complaints (headaches, nausea, stomachaches)
- Irritability, tearfulness, or clinginess before school
- Refusal or resistance to go to school
- Sleep disturbances or appetite changes
- Trouble concentrating or after-school meltdowns
If these symptoms last more than a couple of weeks or interfere with daily functioning, it may be time to explore child therapy in Virginia.
4 Therapist-Backed Strategies to Ease the Transition
Here are four simple, effective ways to support your child through back-to-school stress:
1. Start Conversations Early
Before the school year begins, ask open-ended questions like, “What part of going back to school makes you feel excited or nervous?” Normalize their worries and encourage them to talk about what they’re feeling.
2. Establish Routine
Routines reduce uncertainty. Practice early wake-ups, consistent mealtimes, and regular bedtimes to ease the transition and reduce anxiety.
3. Practice the New Routine
Visit the school, walk through a typical day, or do “practice mornings” to help reduce the fear of the unknown. Familiarity builds confidence.
4. Teach Coping Tools
Show your child how to manage stress with calming techniques like deep breathing, drawing, or bringing a comfort item to school. For older children, mindfulness, journaling, or guided imagery may be more effective.
How Play Therapy Helps with School Stress
Not all children can verbalize what’s bothering them—especially younger ones. That’s where play therapy becomes a powerful tool.
At Sunstone Counseling, we use play therapy for school stress to help children express emotions and process fears in a developmentally appropriate way. Through storytelling, role-play, art, and games, they learn how to understand their feelings and respond to stress in healthier ways.
Play therapy helps children:
- Explore and express emotions safely
- Rehearse school-related scenarios like peer interactions or classroom transitions
- Strengthen self-confidence and coping skills
- Build emotional resilience in the face of stress
It’s especially helpful for children dealing with school avoidance, separation anxiety, or those who feel emotionally overwhelmed but lack the words to explain why.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your child’s anxiety is growing more intense or lasting beyond the first few weeks of school, it may be time to seek professional guidance. Persistent school refusal, emotional distress, or social isolation could point to deeper concerns that require intervention.
Our team at Sunstone Counseling provides child therapy in Virginia that’s customized to your child’s unique needs. We offer support through talk therapy, play therapy, and family counseling to help your child feel empowered and emotionally prepared for school—and beyond.
You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help
Back-to-school transitions can be tough—but with the right strategies and support, they don’t have to be overwhelming. Whether your child needs a little help adjusting or is experiencing more serious school anxiety, we’re here to help.
Contact Sunstone Counseling today to learn how child therapy in Virginia can support your child’s confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being as they head back to school.
