September 2026
The transition into a new school year can be a time of excitement and stress for children of all ages. From kindergarteners facing separation anxiety to teens juggling academics and social pressures, back-to-school anxiety is common, but there are ways parents can help.
What is back-to-school anxiety?
Back-to-school anxiety can affect children differently depending on their age and personality. Common signs of school-related anxiety in children and teens may include:
- Irritability or mood changes
- Trouble sleeping
- Stomachaches or headaches
- Fatigue
- School refusal
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite
Recognizing the signs early can help parents provide support before anxiety becomes overwhelming.
Tips for elementary-age kids (kindergarten through 5th grade)
- Give kids some control. Be firm that they do have to go to school, but give them control over some simple choices, such as buying or bringing lunch, riding the bus or riding their bike to school, and what to wear.
- Know when to seek help. It is normal for younger children, especially preschoolers, to be anxious about school and separating from their parents. For most, these fears resolve quickly as the child adjusts to school. However, when anxiety about school causes a child significant distress, intervention may be needed. Talk with your child’s doctor if you have ongoing concerns. Some families find meditation or mindfulness exercises designed for children helpful in managing anxiety.
Helping tweens and teens manage school stress
- Keep communication lines open. Teens often want their parents to listen to their concners without judgment. Do everything possible to keep the lines of communication open at this critical age.
- Look for patterns. A wild new hairdo? No problem. Purple hair, worrisome new friends, and a big drop in grades? It’s time to sit down and have a serious talk. If you are concerned for your child’s welfare, talk with his or her doctor about what steps to take.
- Acknowledge the pressure. Teens — especially high school students — often experience significant stress from academic pressure, busy schedules, extracurricular activities, jobs, and concern about their future. Validating that the stress is real — not dismissing it — goes a long way toward keeping your kids talking to you.
- Listen for non-verbal clues. Anxiety in tweens and teens often shows up as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue rather than verbal complaints. If your child is regularly “sick” on school mornings, anxiety may be the real culprit.
Consider supplements for brain and behavioral health
Nutrition can play a role in supporting your child’s overall brain and behavioral health. Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals may contribute to mood changes, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating.
For example, researchers have found an association between low vitamin D and higher rates of depression and anxiety. One study found a link between anxiety and deficiencies in vitamin C, magnesium, and selenium, while another found a link between anxiety and deficiencies in the trace minerals zinc, copper, iron, and selenium. However, more research is needed to better understand these relationships.
If your child eats a restricted diet due to food allergies, food intolerances, or preferences (e.g., vegetarian or vegan), they may be more at risk of developing a nutrient deficiency. The same is true if they have a malabsorption disorder (like celiac disease).
If you suspect your child may have any nutrient deficiencies, talk with their pediatrician. They can recommend appropriate supplements for your child’s situation and possibly a blood test to screen for levels of nutrients such as vitamin D and iron.
Your local pharmacist can also help you choose age-appropriate vitamins or supplements for your child. Remember to keep vitamins and supplements out of your child’s reach, especially chewable varieties that may look and taste like candy.
