As summer draws to a close, many children eagerly anticipate the start of a new school year. However, for a significant number, the transition can trigger anxiety. A recent survey found that 64% of children's worries are school-related, highlighting the prevalence of this issue.
According to Robert Alexander, Ph.D., a cognitive neuroscientist and assistant professor of counseling and wellness at New York Institute of Technology, this anxiety is rooted in how our brains function. "Our brains are prediction machines, and our nervous systems constantly try to anticipate what will happen next, so that we can respond appropriately and stay safe," Alexander explains. "The beginning of a new school year disrupts many of those predictions all at once—old routines are broken, expectations and environments change, children are presented with new classrooms, teachers, classmates, and other daily adjustments."
While some nervousness is normal, children prone to anxiety may find the return especially overwhelming. Alexander advises parents to recognize the signs, which can be indirect. "Children often express anxiety indirectly," he says, noting that changes in sleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating, appetite changes, clinginess, or social withdrawal can all be indicators.
The key to reducing anxiety is preparation. "Preparation helps make things more predictable and allows us to adapt to changes," Alexander says. He suggests visiting the school, discussing daily routines, and gradually re-establishing bedtimes before classes begin. "Sleep, in particular, plays a major role in emotional regulation and stress resilience," he adds.
Parents' reactions also matter, as they set the emotional tone for the household. "Children often look to adults for cues on how they should respond to a situation," Alexander notes. "Responding with calm confidence can send a powerful message of safety."
In the moment, children can practice calming techniques like slow breathing. Alexander recommends inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for six. However, he cautions against eliminating anxiety entirely. "Confidence grows through small wins," he says. "Knowing that you can handle a situation can help you deal with future situations more effectively. When children successfully introduce themselves to a new friend, find their new classroom, or survive their first week at a new school, they learn that they are capable in those environments. But children who are prone to anxiety may need some extra help moving through those feelings successfully."
Alexander is one of many New York Tech faculty members applying their expertise to real-world challenges. For more information, visit nyit.edu.
