As summer draws to a close, many children eagerly anticipate the start of a new school year, but for others, the shift from lazy days to structured routines can trigger significant anxiety. Recent surveys indicate that 64% of children's worries are school-related, highlighting the prevalence of this issue. According to cognitive neuroscientist Robert Alexander, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling and wellness at New York Institute of Technology, "our brains are prediction machines, and our nervous systems constantly try to anticipate what will happen next, so that we can respond appropriately and stay safe. The beginning of a new school year disrupts many of those predictions all at once—old routines are broken, expectations and environments change, children are presented with new classrooms, teachers, classmates, and other daily adjustments."
While some nervousness is developmentally normal, children prone to anxiety may find the transition overwhelming. Dr. Alexander advises parents to recognize signs that may not be obvious, such as changes in sleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating, appetite changes, clinginess, or social withdrawal. He emphasizes that preparation is key to reducing anxiety: "Preparation helps make things more predictable and allows us to adapt to changes. Visiting the school, discussing routines, and gradually re-establishing bedtimes before classes begin can all help children feel more secure. Sleep, in particular, plays a major role in emotional regulation and stress resilience."
Parents also set the emotional tone at home, and their reactions matter. "Children often look to adults for cues on how they should respond to a situation. Responding with calm confidence can send a powerful message of safety," Alexander explains. He suggests teaching children simple calming techniques, such as slow breathing—inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for six—to manage overwhelming feelings in the moment.
However, Alexander cautions against eliminating anxiety entirely, as a healthy amount can build resilience. "Confidence grows through small wins. Knowing that you can handle a situation can help you deal with future situations more effectively," he says. "When children successfully introduce themselves to a new friend, find their new classroom, or survive their first week at a new school, they learn that they are capable in those environments. But children who are prone to anxiety may need some extra help moving through those 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.
