Back-to-School Anxiety in Kids: When to Seek Child Therapy in Elm Grove, Wauwatosa & Brookfield
Happy back-to-school season! This time of year brings excitement—watching your child grow, form friendships, and explore new activities. But it can also stir anxiety for kids and parents alike. With thoughtful preparation, you can help your child step into the school year with confidence and calm.
Why Back-to-School Can Feel Tough
Transitioning from laid-back summer routines to structured school days isn’t always easy. Morning wake-ups, navigating new teachers and social dynamics - all of it can feel overwhelming for young children. Adding to the stress, kids (and parents) may feel nervous about making friends, fitting in, or falling behind academically.
Meagan Laskowski is a child therapist at Forward Healing who specializes in infant and early childhood therapy.
Meagan works closely with families to support children through life transitions such as returning to school. Meagan helps kids express themselves, regulate emotions, and build resilience - when they don’t yet have the words to share what they’re feeling. Through approaches like play therapy, child-parent therapy, and other evidence-based techniques, Meagan helps parents better understand their child’s behaviors and teaches tools to ease anxiety and stress at home.
Top Strategies to Support Your Child
Ease into the Routine Early
Start waking everyone up slightly earlier at least a week before school begins. Get outfits, lunches, and backpacks ready the night before to reduce morning chaos—a perspective supported by developmental and clinical experts.
Validate Your Child’s Emotions
It's absolutely normal for kids to feel nervous or anxious about school. Reflect back what you hear: “You seem a bit worried about going to school—that’s okay.” This helps them feel seen and safe.
Create Predictable Routines
Routines foster security. Talk through daily schedules—who drops off, what time, and who picks up. A simple offer like, “Would you like to wear the Spiderman or the Cars shirt today?” gives your child a sense of control.
Look for Early Warning Signs
It’s typical for kids to be emotionally drained the first week back. But if your child continues avoiding school, refuses meals, withdraws, or has sleep issues after 1–2 weeks, it’s time to reach out to a pediatrician or mental health professional.
Help Your Child Feel Emotionally Prepared
Visit the school ahead of time to find classrooms and meet teachers.
Role-play routines like drop-off or recess scenarios.
Boost coping skills: deep breathing, drawing, or rehearsing supportive self-talk are powerful tools.
Support Yourself (So You Can Support Them)
Children learn emotional cues from parents—when you stay calm, they feel calmed too. Model good coping by practicing your own self-care—take walks, journal, stretch, or simply breathe deeply. Play with your child, give them space, and be present—that’s co-regulation in action.
When to Reach Out for Support
If signs of anxiety or resistance persist beyond a couple of weeks—like refusal to attend school, ongoing meltdowns, or severe separation anxiety—it may be time to explore child therapy. Local families in Elm Grove, Wauwatosa, and Brookfield often find child therapists helpful in teaching emotional regulation, resilience, and helping kids cope with transitions. A therapist can offer tools and support tailored to your child’s unique needs.
At Forward Healing Therapy, we specialize in gentle, effective child therapy in Elm Grove, Wauwatosa, and Brookfield, WI. Whether your child needs morning anxiety support, help building school readiness, or ongoing emotional care, we’re here with warmth and expertise.
If you’re seeing signs that your child is struggling beyond typical back-to-school jitters, reach out—let’s help your child step into the school year feeling grounded, confident, and seen.