When it comes to pre-back-to-school stress, several strategies have proven effective in helping children manage this period. Some strategies can be easily implemented by parents, while others may require additional support.

Caroline Scola (2013) studied the effectiveness of relaxation methods, such as mindfulness and deep breathing, in reducing stress in children. These practices help children better manage their emotions and face stressful situations more calmly. While interesting, these methods may not be suited for all families and can sometimes be difficult to implement.

Gradual exposure is another effective strategy. Revol and Clément (2014) demonstrated that familiarizing children with their school environment before the start of the school year—such as visiting the school or meeting teachers—helps reduce uncertainty and, therefore, anticipatory anxiety. In fact, many schools organize visits for 5th-grade students to the middle school they will attend the following year.

Lastly, cognitive-behavioral interventions, such as those proposed by Pincus and Friedman (2004), help children transform negative thoughts and adopt more positive strategies to cope with stress. However, implementing these techniques at home can also be challenging for parents.

For simpler ways to support your child, Bouchard and Duval’s (2012) study, “Supporting the Preparation for School and Life of Children from Disadvantaged Backgrounds and Children with Difficulties,” offers effective educational recommendations and practices. While the title of the study might not seem directly relevant to your situation, the advice it provides is applicable across various contexts. The PDF is available on the excellent ResearchGate website.

As a parent, you can introduce these practices in the weeks leading up to the start of the school year or whenever you feel it’s necessary to help your child better navigate this transition. Without minimizing the issue, it’s important to de-dramatize, contextualize, and avoid clichés. I also encourage you to read my previous articles on the topic to gain a fuller understanding. If the situation seems too complex or overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional, who can address the emotional burden and offer a tailored intervention with just a few sessions.

References:

• Scola, C. (2013). Relaxation and Mindfulness in Children: A Response to Back-to-School Stress. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychology, 9, 45-52.
• Revol, O., & Clément, J.-M. (2014). School, a Source of Stress? How to Help Our Children Live School Life Better. Odile Jacob.
• Pincus, D. B., & Friedman, A. G. (2004). Improving Children’s Coping with Everyday Stress: Transporting Treatment Interventions to the School Setting. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 7(4), 223-240.
• Bouchard, C., & Duval, S. (2012). Supporting the Preparation for School and Life of Children from Disadvantaged Backgrounds and Children with Difficulties. Available on ResearchGate.