Back to school: spotting the signs of anxiety
After the excitement of Christmas, transitioning back into the school routine can be more stressful for young children than you may think, writes Clare Lawrence
January can be a bumpy landing for many children. After weeks of late nights, relaxed routines and screens creeping ever further into the day, the return to school in Richmond, Kew, Twickenham, Barnes or Putney can feel abrupt. A touch of reluctance is normal – but sometimes the wobble is more than mere nerves.
Parents often underestimate how big the shift from holiday mode back to structured days can feel. The contrast can trigger anxiety, especially in children who rely heavily on routine.
Recent UK research highlights just how widespread school-related anxiety and absence are. Government figures show that anxiety or mental health issues were cited as a reason for non-attendance by about 26% of primary pupils and 31% of secondary pupils when they missed school in a two-week period. Additionally, surveys suggest that around half of young people say the thought of returning to school makes them anxious, and a significant portion report avoiding school due to worry or distress.
So how do you tell when your child’s worries need extra attention?
More than just a wobble
Look first at physical symptoms. Frequent stomach aches, headaches or sudden nausea on school mornings can signal emotional strain rather than illness. So can disrupted sleep – difficulty falling asleep, early waking or unusually vivid dreams.
Behavioural changes also matter. A once-confident child might become clingy, tearful or unusually irritable. Others may withdraw, show unexpected anger, or avoid talking about school altogether. A drop in appetite, refusing favourite activities, or a sudden fear of separating from you are all signs that anxiety may be taking root.
Teachers often notice subtle shifts too. “We see children who were participating well before Christmas suddenly avoiding tasks or worrying excessively about getting things wrong,” says
Supporting your child
Begin with calm, open conversations. Rather than asking broadly, “Are you worried?”, use gentle specifics: “What part of the school day feels hardest right now?” Reassure them that nerves are normal, but that big feelings can be worked through together.
Practical comfort helps too. Younger children may benefit from transitional objects – a small note in their pocket or something familiar in their school bag. Older ones may prefer planning the first week back with you so they feel more in control.
If concerns persist or escalate, consider early support. School pastoral teams, SENCOs and local wellbeing services across Richmond and Barnes are experienced in guiding families through school-related anxiety.
Rebuilding routines
Stabilising the home routine is one of the most effective tools you have. Gradually bring bedtimes forward, ideally starting a few days before term begins. Reduce screen time in the evenings and introduce a predictable wind-down: reading, warm baths or quiet crafts.
Mornings matter too. Laying out uniforms, organising bags and preparing snacks the night before can reduce stress at the very moment children are feeling most fragile. Keep the first week’s after-school schedule light, giving them space to decompress.
January doesn’t need to be daunting. With small adjustments, steady reassurance and early support, children can slip back into school life feeling grounded – not overwhelmed.