Back-to-school stress is common - but it doesn’t have to take over. By tuning into emotions, building routines, and seeking support when needed, families can move through this transition with more calm, connection, and confidence.

For many families, the start of a new school year brings a mix of emotions - excitement, nervousness, overwhelm, and pressure. While the return to routines can be a welcome reset, back-to-school transitions also create stress for both children and parents. Between managing changing schedules, academic expectations, and workplace demands, this time of year can feel like a pressure cooker.

We recognize that family mental health is workplace mental health. When a parent is stretched thin, or a child is struggling to adjust, it affects focus, performance, and emotional well-being. Supporting families during this transition is an important piece of the broader mental health puzzle.

Here’s how back-to-school stress shows up - and what you can do to support yourself and your family through it.

Why This Time of Year Is So Stressful

For children and teens, returning to school often comes with:

• Academic pressure or fear of falling behind
• Social anxiety or navigating new peer dynamics
• Changes in sleep, diet, and daily routine
• Fear of the unknown (new teacher, classroom, school)
  
  

For parents, the stress looks different, but it’s just as real:

• Juggling school drop-offs, lunches, extracurriculars, and work
• Worrying about their child’s academic and emotional well-being
• Managing household logistics while trying to stay productive at work
• Feeling guilty for not “doing enough” in either role
  
  

This cumulative stress can lead to burnout, irritability, emotional fatigue, and a sense of being constantly “behind.”

5 Ways Parents Can Support Their Child - and Themselves

1. Talk Openly About Emotions

Kids often don’t have the language to express their stress. Create space to check in with open-ended questions like, “What part of school are you looking forward to? What’s making you nervous?” Model emotional honesty by naming your own stress in age-appropriate ways - this builds emotional intelligence and trust.

2. Build Predictability into the Week

Establishing routines around wake-up, meals, screen time, and bedtime can reduce anxiety for everyone. Use visual calendars, meal plans, or morning checklists to help kids (and adults!) feel more in control of their day.

3. Don’t Overschedule

It’s tempting to jump back into sports, lessons, and playdates - but too much too soon can be overwhelming. Prioritize rest and unstructured time. A calm home base supports kids who are coping with stimulation and structure all day at school.

4. Check In on Your Own Mental Load

Working parents carry invisible weight - managing everyone’s schedules, emotions, and to-dos. If you’re feeling short-tempered or scattered, you’re not alone. Try carving out 10–15 minutes each day just for you (a walk, a podcast, even a few deep breaths). Consider speaking to your doctor or a mental health professional if the stress becomes too much.

“As the school year begins, many parents may find themselves navigating concerns about their children's adjustment to new teachers, unfamiliar curricula, and shifting social dynamics. These added stressors often compound the existing demands of work, relationships, and financial pressures.

When early signs of burnout begin to emerge—such as increased irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating—it can be helpful to check in with a mental health professional. Taking proactive steps early on can make a meaningful difference in preventing further emotional and psychological strain.”

- Dr David Sarfati, MD, FRCPC, Psychiatrist

5. Workplaces Can Support, Too

Employers play a role in this seasonal transition. Offering flexible start times, remote work days, or grace periods during back-to-school week can help working parents show up more fully. When families feel supported, everyone benefits, including your workplace.

When to Seek Additional Help

For children:

• Refusing to go to school
• Sudden academic decline
• Frequent headaches or stomachaches
• Withdrawal from friends or activities
  
  

For parents:

• Ongoing sleep disruption
• Difficulty concentrating at work
• Irritability or frequent overwhelm
• Feeling hopeless or unable to cope
  
  

If these signs persist, don’t wait. Talk to your GP, a school counsellor, or your HR manager. Early support creates space for healing and sets the tone for the school year ahead.

Back-to-school stress is common - but it doesn’t have to take over. By tuning into emotions, building routines, and seeking support when needed, families can move through this transition with more calm, connection, and confidence.

At Medaca, we’re here to support mental health at every stage of life - including the seasons that feel the busiest. Because behind every successful employee is a full, complex life - and we believe both deserve care.