Why Back-to-School Feels So Overwhelming
Even when the school year starts with excitement, the changes can stir up stress for both kids and parents. New teachers, shifting routines, heavier workloads, all of these affect the nervous system. Sleep gets disrupted, mornings feel chaotic, and emotions often run high.
Understanding Stress in Children and Teens
Stress doesn’t always look the same in kids as it does in adults. While parents might notice their own stress showing up as irritability, trouble sleeping, or difficulty focusing, children and teens often express it differently. It may come through in stomachaches, headaches, changes in appetite, withdrawal, or sudden emotional outbursts. Teens might also become more irritable, struggle with motivation, or show increased anxiety around schoolwork or friendships.
One of the best ways parents can support their child is by noticing these signs early and opening up gentle conversations. Simple check-ins like “I’ve noticed you seem quieter lately, how are you feeling?” can help kids feel understood and less alone.
Stress in Canadian Youth
Back-to-school isn’t just about new supplies and schedules-it can be a tipping point for stress and mental health. In fact, Statistics Canada reports that between 2019 and 2023, the number of Canadian youth (ages 12-17) who rated their mental health as “fair” or “poor” more than doubled-from 12% to 26%. This increase was especially pronounced among teenage girls, highlighting just how much young people are carrying as they transition back into the classroom (Statistics Canada).
Stress is not a sign you're doing something wrong, it's a sign that your body and mind are adjusting to change.
Small Shifts That Make a Big Difference
The good news? You don’t need a complete overhaul. Gentle adjustments can ease the transition:
- Ease into routines gradually
- Create calm morning rituals
- Validate big feelings (yours and your child’s)
- Build in downtime after school
- Keep communication open with simple daily check-ins
Supporting Parents Too
Back-to-school stress isn’t just about kids. Parents across Burlington, Oakville, and Hamilton often feel pulled in every direction, juggling work, school, and household responsibilities. Taking small moments for yourself, whether it’s a quiet coffee after drop-off or reaching out for support, can make a big difference in how the season feels.
Sometimes stress doesn’t fade after the first weeks of school. Ongoing anxiety, sleep challenges, or daily conflict might be signs that extra support could help.
How Therapy Supports Families
At Private Matters Psychotherapy, we support children, teens, and parents in navigating the many stressors that come with school. Families often reach out for help with challenges like separation anxiety, peer pressure, bullying, academic stress, or managing transitions between school levels. Parents may seek therapy to better understand their child’s needs or to learn strategies that ease family tension.
Therapy offers kids a safe place to process their feelings, while also giving parents tools to respond with patience and confidence. Whether it’s building resilience, improving communication, or finding relief from anxiety, therapy can make the back-to-school season feel less overwhelming and more manageable for the whole family.
