Dr. Andrew Rosen is Board Certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), a Clinical Fellow of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), and a Diplomate and Fellow in the American Academy of Clinical Psychology (FAACP). He is a Board Member of the National Social Anxiety Clinics and Co-Chair for the ADAA Social Anxiety Special Interest Group. A Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor at FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Dr. Rosen founded the Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders in Delray Beach, Florida, where he continues to serve as Director, providing in-person and telehealth treatment options.
Article2 min read
5 Ways to Beat Back to School Anxiety as a Family
- Andrew Rosen PhD ABPP FAACP
- Dawn Huebner PhD
- Dominique Rodriguez MEd LCPC NCC
- Oct 1, 2025
- 2
Every summer must come to an end, and the transition back to school can be hard for everyone—kids, parents, and caregivers alike. These tips will help the whole family face the new year with more confidence.
Tip sheet:
Ease into Your School Year Routine Before the First Day
Start reintroducing a daily schedule a couple of weeks before school begins. This can help ease the transition for everyone. Gradually get back into rhythm with bedtimes, mealtimes, and limiting screen time. The earlier you begin, the less jarring the shift will feel.
Acknowledge the Concerns of Younger Family Members
It’s important to listen to your kids' thoughts and feelings as the school year approaches. Giving them space to express their worries helps them feel heard and valued, and it can prevent those concerns from growing into full-blown anxieties.
Practice Coping with Stressful Situations
If your child is worried about specific scenarios—whether it’s making new friends or dealing with a tough subject—help them practice. Use role-playing to talk through these situations and help them rehearse how to respond calmly. The more prepared they feel, the less stressful the situation will seem. I just think "rehearse their own responses" creates anxiety around a scenario that may pop up that they didn't rehearse. This way, you're just developing confidence instead of focusing on the specific rehearsed scenarios.
4. Have a First Day “Dress Rehearsal”
The first official day of school doesn’t have to be the first time you make the trip! Plan a day ahead of time for the family to practice getting ready and heading out the door. It’s a great opportunity to explore the school grounds, talk about any concerns, and get into the back-to-school mindset. Finish the morning with a fun family treat, like pancakes at a favorite breakfast spot, or ask them what they would like to do to celebrate their wins.
5. Keep the Fun Going
Reintroducing structure and routine doesn’t mean that the fun must stop! Celebrating the end of summer with some of the family’s favorite activities will help create positive associations with the upcoming school year. A little joy can go a long way in making the transition feel less daunting.
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