Supporting Children and Teens as They Adapt to a New Routine
The end of summer break means children return to their school routine: new schedules, classes, homework, and early mornings. This transition can stir up many emotions—joy at seeing friends again, but also anxiety or mood swings. How can you help them? Here we share tools to handle this stage with well-being and resilience, turning the challenge into an opportunity for growth.
Excited, Nervous, or Afraid? What Your Child Feels About the New School Year
Going back to school can be an emotional roller coaster for children and teens. Recognizing and validating what they are experiencing not only strengthens your bond, but also helps you anticipate their needs and offer the right support. Understanding their feelings is the first step in guiding them through this stage. Let’s look at it by age group:
Emotions in Children Ages 3–12
When children return to school after a long summer, it’s common for them to experience a mix of emotions and behaviors that can be confusing. Recognizing these signs and understanding their causes can help adults provide the right support for a smoother transition.
Separation anxiety is common. After months of family closeness, many children feel insecure about going back to school, since the routine interrupts the bond they’ve created. It’s important to validate these feelings and reassure them that school is a safe place to learn and have fun.
Irritability is another clear sign: children may seem impatient, cry easily, or refuse to join activities. This usually reflects fatigue and difficulty coping with the stress of the new school schedule.
Sleep or eating changes, such as loss of appetite, overeating, or trouble falling or staying asleep, are indicators that a child is still adjusting. Anxiety about the new school year can affect these rhythms, so establishing consistent routines is key.
Physical complaints like frequent stomachaches or headaches without a medical cause are often expressions of emotional distress. Listening with empathy, validating their feelings, and helping them identify the real source of stress is essential.
Emotions in Teenagers
Teens face different concerns at school, which can sometimes be harder to identify. Pay special attention to:
Social anxiety: Many worry about fitting in, making or keeping friends. This can affect their participation throughout the year.
Academic pressure: The school calendar often reawakens insecurities. Fear of failure, pressure to get good grades, or comparisons with classmates can trigger stress. As the year progresses, these worries can intensify.
Apathy or isolation: Some withdraw as a way to avoid academic or social stress. While it may seem like indifference, in the long run it can disconnect them from school life and learning opportunities.
Rule-breaking or defiance: Sometimes, rebellious behavior isn’t just mischief but a sign of frustration, anxiety, or a need for attention. Identifying the root cause is key to offering the right support.
How Parents Can Make the Transition Easier at Home
Here are practical, simple strategies that really make a difference:
Plan ahead and communicate: Talk about school a few days in advance—what they expect, what excites them, and what worries them. It’s not just about routine, but exploring their emotions. Validating their feelings, even negative ones, makes them feel heard and less alone. Simple questions like “What are you most looking forward to about going back to school?” or “Is there anything you feel nervous about?” can open up conversation.
Reset schedules gradually: About a week before, start adjusting bedtime and wake-up times by 15–30 minutes each day until you reach the school routine. This “step-by-step” approach makes the change smoother and prevents exhaustion. Do the same with meals and playtime to prepare their daily rhythm.
Create a safe space for emotions: Encourage them to share any feeling—joy, frustration, fear, or boredom—without judgment. Instead of the usual “Are you okay?”, try “How are you really feeling?” Listening actively to both words and body language helps them process emotions in a supportive environment.
Involve them in preparations: Choosing notebooks, backpacks, or organizing supplies gives children a sense of control and excitement. Let them personalize their materials or set up their study space at home. This turns preparation into a positive experience.
Focus on the positives: Remind them about friends, favorite activities, or fun school events. Celebrate small wins, like reuniting with a teacher or learning something new. Highlighting growth and opportunity helps build a positive mindset.
Warning Signs: When to Be Concerned About Their Behavior
Some reactions are normal, but if they last more than 3–4 weeks, it may be time to look closer. Warning signs include:
Persistent refusal to attend school, often with anxiety, tantrums, or physical complaints.
Noticeable social withdrawal and loss of interest in friends or activities.
Major changes in appetite or sleep (overeating, lack of appetite, insomnia, oversleeping).
Deep sadness, constant irritability, or loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy.
Frequent unexplained physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches, nausea, fatigue).
Significant drop in grades, motivation, or participation in class.
When to Seek Professional Help: In-Home Psychologists in Madrid
If these difficulties persist, they can become real obstacles to your child’s well-being and development. We understand how complex these situations can be, which is why we offer personalized psychological support designed for families like yours.
Therapists at home: Our psychologists come to your home, a safe and familiar place for your child or teen. This reduces anxiety and makes it easier to build trust. It also saves time and stress for families with busy school schedules.
Natural and personalized intervention: Working in your family’s environment allows the therapist to better understand communication patterns and dynamics. This insight helps design more effective strategies that integrate smoothly into daily life.
If you feel your child needs professional support to adjust to the new school year without distress, our in-home psychology team in Madrid is here to help. Contact us for more information.
At Clínica Dra. Ordovás, we also have a pediatric neurology team working closely with our child psychology specialists. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a more complete understanding of each case, addressing both emotional and neurological aspects when needed. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that supports your child’s well-being and your family’s peace of mind.
