Embracing the Back-to-School Season: A Guide for Anxious Teens and Parents

As the summer days sadly come to a close and the new school year approaches-mixed emotions are likely taking place in your home.

For many teenagers back-to-school season brings new opportunities, but it can also be a source of significant stress. Working with families for 15 years, I am delighted to share some insights and tips to make this season a smoother, more joyful experience for everyone involved.

Understanding Teenage Anxiety

The start of a new school year can trigger a range of emotions in teens. They might worry about fitting in, academic pressures, or managing their extracurricular activities. As parents, it's essential to recognize these concerns and provide a supportive environment where your teen feels heard and understood.

What Teens Might Be Thinking:

• Will I make new friends?

• Can I handle the workload?

• What if I don’t make the team?

• How do I navigate social dynamics?

What Parents Might Be Thinking:

• How can I best support my teen?

• What if my child struggles academically?

• How do I balance being involved without being a helicopter parent?

5 Practical Tips for Parents

1. Open Communication: Create a safe space for your teen to express their feelings. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about the new school year?” or “What are you most excited and worried about?” Listen actively without jumping in with advice. Kids are more likely to share if they know you are there to listen and support-not fix it.

2. Establish Routines: Help your teen develop a consistent routine that includes time for homework, extracurricular activities, and relaxation. A balanced schedule can reduce stress for the entire family and improve time management skills.

3. Encourage Self-Care: Teach your teen the importance of self-care. Encourage activities that promote relaxation and mental well-being, such as prayer, journaling, exercise, or hobbies they enjoy.

4. Foster Independence: Allow your teen to take ownership of their responsibilities. Encourage them to set their own goals and problem-solve challenges. This builds confidence and resilience.

5. Pray Together: Incorporate prayer into your daily routine. Praying together can provide comfort and remind your teen that they are not alone in their journey.

5 Fun and Creative Strategies for Teens

1. Create a Vision Board: Help your teen make a vision board with goals, inspirational quotes, and images that represent their hopes for the school year. This can be a fun and motivational activity to do together, and creates a place to connect and talk without all the “awkward eye contact” your teen complains of. 

2. DIY Stress Balls: Crafting homemade stress balls with balloons and rice, flour, or old play-doh can be a fun, hands-on way for teens to manage stress. Plus, it’s a great bonding activity.

3. Themed Study Sessions: Turn study time into a themed event. For example, have a “Pajama Study Night” with comfy clothes and snacks. This can make studying less daunting and more enjoyable.

4. Gratitude Jar: Create a gratitude jar where your teen can drop in notes about things they’re thankful for each day. Reflecting on positive experiences can boost their mood and outlook.

5. Fun with Faith: Encourage your teen to explore their faith in creative ways. This could include listening to Christian music, watching faith-based movies, or joining a weekly youth group where they can connect with peers who share their values.

Supporting Your Teen Spiritually

As Christian parents you can also share scriptures that remind them of God’s presence and love. Verses like Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God, can be particularly comforting.

Encourage your teen to lean on their faith when they face challenges. Remind them that they are wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and that God has a plan for their future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Wrap Up

Navigating the back-to-school season can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and connection, and provides a space for you as a parent to BE a REAL support for your teen through life's struggles. By supporting your teen emotionally, spiritually, and practically, you can help them approach the new school year with confidence. You have an amazing opportunity in front of you. Take advantage of this connection.