How Parents Can Ease Back-to-School Stress

The back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and stress, for both kids and parents. New schedules, academic expectations, and early mornings can create friction at home and anxiety for students.

Here are some parent-tested (and tutor-recommended) strategies to ease the stress.

1. Establish Morning Routines

Mornings can be one of the biggest sources of back-to-school tension– rushed breakfasts, missing shoes, last-minute homework (sound familiar?). A calm, predictable routine can make mornings more enjoyable and set the tone for a good day.

Tips for smoother mornings:

• Prepare the night before: Pack bags, lay out clothes, and check for forms or homework before bedtime.
• Use visual checklists: This can be especially helpful for younger children or those who struggle with executive functioning. A simple list like the one below can provide structure and foster independence as a child learns to cross off items on their own.
  • Get dressed
  • Eat
  • Brush teeth
  • Pack bag list
• Build in buffer time: Try waking up 10–15 minutes earlier to avoid rushing and reduce stress for everyone.
• Keep mornings positive: Avoid power struggles by offering choices (e.g., “Would you like toast or yogurt?”) and using encouraging language.

2. Encourage Conversation

Kids and teens don’t always know how to express their worries. They might not even realize they’re stressed! Instead, anxiety might show up as irritability, silence, procrastination, or resistance to going to school.

Here’s how to start a helpful conversation:

• Choose the right time: Talk when your child is relaxed, not in the middle of a meltdown. Car rides, bedtime, or walks can create a more comfortable setting.
• Start gently: Try open-ended questions like “What’s something that felt hard today?” or “Is there anything that’s been on your mind recently?”
• Normalize feelings: Reassure them that it’s completely okay to feel nervous, overwhelmed, or unsure. Most kids feel that way at the beginning of the year.
• Listen more than you solve: Sometimes, the best support is simply being heard.

3. Stay Connected

It’s easy to get caught up in the logistics of back-to-school life, but what children often need most is connection. Taking just a few minutes each day to check in without screens or distractions goes a long way toward building trust and resilience.

• Ask about highs and lows of the day
• Share your own stories of when school felt tricky, or when you had to overcome a challenge
• Celebrate small wins (like remembering their schedule or trying something new)

When students feel connected and understood at home, they’re better able to handle the challenges of the school day.

Partnering with Parents for a Strong Start

At Hodis Learning & Music, we believe a community of support is integral to student success. Whether it’s helping kids develop school-ready routines, building emotional resilience, or easing into new academic expectations, our tutors serve as a steady, supportive presence during the back-to-school transition.

Call us at (626) 227-1149 or email today to learn how our tutoring programs can support your student this year.