As summer draws to a close, many children eagerly anticipate the start of a new school year. However, for others, the transition can trigger significant anxiety, fueled by academic pressures, social fears, and disrupted routines. A recent survey found that 64% of children's worries are school-related, highlighting the prevalence of this issue.
Cognitive neuroscientist Robert Alexander, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling and wellness at New York Institute of Technology, explains that our brains are "prediction machines," constantly anticipating what will happen next to keep us safe. The start of a new school year disrupts these predictions, introducing new classrooms, teachers, classmates, and daily adjustments. While some nervousness is developmentally normal, children prone to anxiety may find this period especially overwhelming.
Parents are advised to recognize the signs of anxiety, which may not be obvious. Children often express anxiety indirectly through changes in sleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating, appetite changes, clinginess, or social withdrawal. Alexander emphasizes that preparation is key to reducing anxiety, as it makes situations more predictable. He suggests visiting the school, discussing routines, and gradually re-establishing bedtimes before classes begin. Sleep plays a major role in emotional regulation and stress resilience.
Parents also set the emotional tone at home. "Children often look to adults for cues on how they should respond to a situation," Alexander notes. Responding with calm confidence can convey safety and help children feel secure. Additionally, teaching children simple calming techniques, such as slow breathing, can help them manage overwhelming feelings in the moment. Alexander recommends inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for six.
However, Alexander cautions against completely eliminating a child's anxiety, as a healthy amount can foster resilience. "Confidence grows through small wins," he says. When children successfully navigate new experiences, they learn they are capable. For those prone to anxiety, extra support may be needed to help them move through these 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.
