Back-to-School Anxiety Is Real…But You’re Not Alone

The backpacks are packed, the school supplies are labeled, and the countdown to the first day has begun. But behind the excitement, there’s something else creeping in — anxiety.
At Lotus Counseling Center, we’re hearing it loud and clear:

  • “My child cries every time we mention school.”
  • “She’s not sleeping well and keeps saying she’s scared to go back.”
  • “He’s worried he won’t make friends or do well in class.”

 

Sound familiar? You’re not the only one. And here’s the truth: Back-to-school anxiety is more common than you think.

What Does It Look Like?

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  • Stomach aches and headaches before school
  • Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
  • Irritability, meltdowns, or total shutdown
  • Reluctance or refusal to go to school
  • Constant “what if” questions

 

Whether it’s separation anxiety, academic pressure, or social fears, these struggles are real — but there are ways to help.

How You Can Support Your Child (And Yourself)

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  • Start slow – Ease into routines before the first day
  • Validate their feelings – “It’s okay to feel nervous. I’m here for you.”
  • Have open conversations – Let them share their fears without rushing to fix them
  • Fix the sleep schedule – Sleep = emotional regulation
  • Do practice runs – School tours, packing the bag, first-day dry runs
  • Model calm – Kids feel what you feel. If you’re grounded, they’ll feel safer

And When It Feels Like Too Much…

That’s where we come in.

Lotus Counseling Center specializes in helping kids, teens, and families navigate life’s tricky moments — and back-to-school is a big one.

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From anxiety and behavioral shifts to family communication, we’re here with:

  • Child & Teen Therapy
  • Family Counseling
  • Parent Coaching
  • Tools to build emotional confidence

Need help? We’re accepting new clients.

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Appointments available now.

Call us | DM us | Visit our website
Let’s make this school year the calmest, most connected one yet.

Locations
Miami Counseling Center
Aventura Counseling Center
Boca Raton Counseling Center