Back-to-School Stress: What Parents Can Expect in the First Few Weeks (and How to Help)
By Samantha Pearlman, LCSW & Sydnee Maberry, LCSW – Pearlman & Associates, St. Louis Mental Health Therapists
655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141 | 314-942-1147 | STLmentalhealth.com
The backpacks are packed, the hallways are buzzing, and the school year is officially underway here in St. Louis. For many families, the first few weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind of emotions—excitement mixed with nerves, new routines, and plenty of growing pains along the way.
At Pearlman & Associates, we often tell parents: expect the adjustment period. Kids don’t flip a switch from “summer mode” to “school mode” overnight. Anxiety, stress, fatigue, and social challenges are all normal in these early weeks. The key is knowing what’s typical, what to watch for, and how to help.
Here are 15 things you may notice—and how to support your child through them.
- Tired kids – Early mornings and long days take a toll. Expect crankiness and meltdowns. Prioritize early bedtimes, even on weekends, to help reset their sleep cycle.
- Stomachaches and headaches – Stress often shows up physically. If your child frequently complains, acknowledge their discomfort, then teach calm-breathing or grounding techniques to ease the tension.
- Emotional ups and downs – It’s common for kids to hold it together at school, then fall apart at home. Samantha Pearlman, LCSW, notes: “Your child may seem like two different kids—the one who copes all day and the one who unravels at home. Home is their safe place, so expect bigger emotions there.”
- Forgetfulness – New schedules mean kids may forget homework, lunches, or gym shoes. Instead of punishment, help them create checklists and routines to build confidence.
- Increased screen cravings – After a long day, many kids want to escape into their phones, YouTube, or gaming. Set gentle but firm boundaries on screen time and encourage outdoor play, downtime, or family connection instead.
- Hunger and mood swings – Kids burn through energy fast. Balanced snacks and steady hydration can help avoid after-school “hanger.”
- Social stress – Friend groups shift, and navigating lunch tables can feel intimidating. Sydnee Maberry, LCSW, says: “Ask open-ended questions like, ‘Who did you spend time with today?’ instead of pushing for details they may not be ready to share.”
- Academic jitters – Even strong students may worry about keeping up. Praise effort over grades and remind them it’s normal to take time adjusting to new expectations.
- Resistance in the mornings – Tears, slow-moving kids, or arguments are common. Keep mornings calm by prepping clothes, lunches, and backpacks the night before.
- Less talking, more listening – Kids may not want a long lecture after school. Sometimes the best thing parents can do is sit close, listen, and let them decompress without pressure.
- Sunday night anxiety – Worries often spike before a new week. Create relaxing Sunday rituals—family dinner, quiet reading, or a calming walk together.
- Testing limits – Some kids push back against new teachers, rules, or routines. Respond with consistency, empathy, and clear expectations rather than harsh punishments.
- Signs of bigger struggles – Normal adjustment stress usually eases in 2–3 weeks. If your child shows ongoing sadness, avoids school, or struggles to function day to day, it may be more than typical stress.
- Parents’ own stress – Back-to-school transitions impact the whole family. Give yourself grace and remember that your calm presence helps your child feel grounded.
- Knowing when to seek help – Samantha Pearlman reminds parents: “If anxiety or depression is interfering with your child’s daily life, therapy can make a huge difference. You don’t have to wait until it gets worse to reach out.”
Final Thoughts
The first few weeks of school are often messy—full of tears, laughter, growth, and adjustment. That’s normal. With patience, good sleep, healthy meals, limited screens, and plenty of listening, kids and teens usually settle into their new routine. But if your child continues to struggle with anxiety, stress, or depression, professional support can provide the tools they need to thrive.
At Pearlman & Associates, we work with children, teens, and families across the St. Louis area to navigate school stress, build coping skills, and improve mental health.
📍 Pearlman & Associates – 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141
📞 314-942-1147
🌐 STLmentalhealth.com
Article also appeared in Creve Coeur, Missouri Patch
