August Isn’t Easy — And You’re Not Alone
Let’s be real for a second. Everyone’s talking about shopping for school supplies, packing lunches, and setting those early alarms again. But you know what no one really talks about? The emotional weight August brings — for kids, for parents, and for educators. If you're feeling it right now, you’re not the only one.
Going back to school isn’t just about starting a new academic year. It’s walking back into expectations, pressure, and sometimes old wounds. As a therapist working with children, teens, and school professionals, I’ve seen how this time of year can hit hard — quietly and deeply. So, let’s take some time to talk about what really happens during back-to-school season… and how you can protect your mental health and the mental health of those around you.
Why August Is So Emotionally Heavy
You might be thinking, “It’s just school — why all the stress?” But for kids, August is more than a transition. It’s an emotional shift from freedom to structure, from calm to chaos, and from familiar summer rhythms to school pressure. Even if your child seems excited, it’s normal for them to feel nervous about the unknowns — new teachers, different routines, social dynamics, and academic expectations.
And for some children, those feelings run even deeper. Maybe they struggled last year, were bullied, lost someone over the summer, or have undiagnosed mental health needs. Even seemingly small changes — like switching classrooms — can stir up anxiety or grief.
The same goes for educators. Teachers are expected to return ready to lead, even when they’re emotionally running on fumes. The pressure to show up strong while managing behavior, academics, and emotional support for dozens of students… it’s a lot.
Kids Don’t Say “I’m Anxious.” They Show It.
Children rarely come out and say, “I’m overwhelmed.” Instead, they act out or shut down. I’ve seen it countless times: kids labeled as “defiant” or “lazy” who are actually anxious, sad, or overstimulated.
Here are a few behaviors that often point to emotional distress:
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Refusing to get out of bed in the morning
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Frequent headaches or stomachaches without a clear cause
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Increased irritability or clinginess
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Withdrawal from friends or favorite activities
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Zoning out or becoming easily frustrated
Behavior is communication. If something feels off — it probably is. Kids aren’t trying to give you a hard time; they’re having a hard time.
Back-to-School Anxiety or School Refusal? Know the Difference
It’s totally normal for kids to feel jittery before school starts. But there’s a difference between nervousness and school refusal — and knowing how to spot it can make all the difference.
Back-to-school anxiety might show up as tossing and turning the night before, mild stomachaches, or clinginess. But if your child is having full-blown meltdowns, refusing to get dressed, or experiencing physical symptoms like nausea or dizziness every day — that could be school refusal.
This isn’t about being stubborn or “spoiled.” School refusal often points to deeper concerns: anxiety disorders, trauma, bullying, grief, or even sensory challenges. It’s a signal — not a behavior to punish. In these moments, kids need support, understanding, and in many cases, professional help.
How Grief and Trauma Can Disrupt the School Transition
For some kids, August isn’t exciting — it’s heartbreaking. Maybe they lost a grandparent, a pet, or a sibling over the summer. Maybe home life has been unstable. Or maybe school itself is a place that triggers old trauma.
I once worked with a student who lost his older cousin over the summer. Returning to school brought up grief he didn’t have words for. His silence, his anger, and his shutdowns weren’t about disliking school — they were about the emotional weight he was carrying with him.
If a child is acting out or shutting down, ask yourself: What might they be carrying? Don’t assume they’re giving up — maybe they’re grieving. Maybe they’re still healing from something that happened months or even years ago.
Teachers, You’re Carrying More Than Lesson Plans
Let me speak directly to educators for a second: I see you.
You’re managing your classroom, meeting learning objectives, handling behavior, building relationships with parents — all while possibly navigating your own personal challenges. The truth is, a lot of educators are already feeling drained before the school year even begins.
According to recent surveys, more than half of educators experience emotional burnout within the first month of returning. And yet, many feel they can’t speak up or slow down because they’re needed by everyone else.
Please, if that’s you, give yourself permission to rest. Protect your peace. Make time for therapy, peer check-ins, and boundaries. Your mental health matters — not just because it helps your students, but because you matter. Period.
Why ADHD Can Spike During School Transitions
August and September can be particularly tough for kids with ADHD. The shift from relaxed summer schedules to structured school days is jarring. You might see an increase in forgetfulness, outbursts, impulsivity, or difficulty staying on task.
This doesn’t mean your child is “broken” or “bad.” It means their brain is adjusting — and needs support. Try introducing structure gradually: use visual calendars, set consistent sleep and meal routines, and allow time for movement and decompression.
Teachers, you can help by offering movement breaks, flexible seating, and chunked instructions. Small shifts in your classroom routine can make a huge difference for these students.
Build Routines That Support Mental Health
One of the most powerful things you can do to ease back-to-school stress? Re-establish routines.
Kids thrive when they know what to expect. Even simple routines — like waking up at the same time every day or doing a 2-minute “emotional check-in” at breakfast — can provide structure and emotional grounding.
Here’s a sample flow:
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Morning: Wake up, eat breakfast, check in with emotions (“How are you feeling about today?”)
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After School: 30–45 minutes of free time before homework
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Evening: Dinner together, screen-free wind-down, bedtime by a consistent hour
Consistency helps kids (and adults) feel safe, even when everything else feels uncertain.
The Right Words Can Make a Big Difference
Sometimes, it’s not about having all the answers. It’s about being present — and using words that build connection, not correction. Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, here are a few phrases that can go a long way:
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“It’s okay to feel nervous. I’m here with you.”
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“You don’t have to be perfect. Just be real.”
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“I believe in you — even on the hard days.”
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“Let’s figure this out together.”
When a child feels seen and supported, their whole body relaxes. That’s where healing and learning begin.
My Why — And Yours Too
This isn’t just a blog post for me. It’s personal. I became a therapist after losing my 10-year-old nephew, Jeremiah, to childhood depression. His pain became my purpose. I made a promise that no child in my care would go unseen, and no sign of distress would be ignored.
That’s why I do this work — and why I’m sharing this message now. Because back to school shouldn’t mean back into survival mode.
It should be a fresh start. A safe return. A place where kids can grow — and adults can breathe.
You’re Not in This Alone
If you’re a parent struggling to understand what’s going on with your child, or a teacher wondering how you’ll make it through the year — I want you to know this:
You don’t have to do this alone.
Lean on your school counselors. Reach out to a local therapist. Talk to someone who sees the whole child, not just the grades and the behaviors. And if you don’t know where to start — start with listening. Listening opens the door to support.
Let’s create a school year where we check in, not just check boxes. Where we make space for rest, not just rigor. And where we lead with empathy — for our kids, for each other, and for ourselves.
If this sounds like your family or your school, I’m here to help. Visit the link below to download The G.A.P. — your General Action Plan for moving forward with mental health support.