Dear Readers,
In this month’s newsletter, we are going to turn our attention and focus on supporting young minds as they prepare to head back to school in just a few short weeks. Continue reading on to see how you, the caregiver/parent/guardian, can behave in valued ways to make the transition smoother for your child, pre-teen, teenager, or young adult!
As summer winds down, young people begin to shift from the relaxed rhythm of vacation to the more structured pace of school. This transition—while exciting—can also bring on anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or behavioral shifts in children, teens, and young adults. As a clinical psychologist, I see this time of year as a critical opportunity to support emotional well-being, encourage open conversations, and foster resilience in young minds. Here are a few guiding principles to help your child start the school year with confidence and calm:
🧩 1. Normalize Back-to-School Jitters
Even the most enthusiastic learners feel nervous about returning to the classroom. Let them know it’s okay to have mixed feelings—excitement, nervousness, or even sadness about summer ending. Naming emotions gives kids permission to feel and process them in healthy ways.
Try this: “It’s totally normal to feel a little nervous about the first day. Lots of kids (and adults!) feel that way too.”
⏰ 2. Reinstate Routines Gently
A predictable routine supports emotional regulation. Begin reintroducing school-time sleep and meal schedules at least a week before school starts. Gradual shifts are much easier for young nervous systems to tolerate than abrupt changes.
Pro Tip: Use visual schedules for younger children or planners for teens to co-create their weekday rhythms.
💬 3. Encourage Open Dialogue
Ask open-ended questions about how your child is feeling about returning to school. Don’t rush to solve or soothe—just listen. Feeling heard without judgment creates emotional safety and builds trust.
Ask instead of tell: “What are you looking forward to most this year?” or “Is there anything you’re worried about?”
🎒 4. Reconnect with Purpose
Remind your child that school is about more than grades. It’s a place to learn about themselves, build friendships, and grow as individuals. Helping kids connect school with personal meaning reduces stress and increases motivation.
🌿 5. Support Regulation, Not Perfection
Some kids will regress behaviorally during transitions—that’s okay. Focus on helping them manage their reactions rather than expecting flawless behavior. Techniques like deep breathing, body scans, or brief mindfulness breaks can be introduced to kids of all ages.
Resource Suggestion: Try apps like Smiling Mind, Headspace for Kids, or Calm.
👥 6. Keep the School Team in the Loop
If your child has specific emotional, social, or learning needs, communicate with their teachers or counselors early. When the adults in a child’s life work together, the child benefits from a strong, unified support network.
Back-to-school is a season of possibility. With compassion, structure, and open hearts, we can help our young people step into it with courage and resilience.
Until next month,
Your favorite enabler of Mental Wellness
The Montclair Therapist
Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D.
(She/Her/Hers)
NJ Licensed Psychologist #5888, Private Practice, Montclair, NJ
Adjunct Professor, Kean University, Department of Advanced Studies in Psychology
Manager, New York City Chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Board Member, Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris
*Peace, Love, & Fierce Acceptance*
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