Why the Transition from Summer to Fall Can be Stressful for Kids and Teens with Anxiety
As summer fades and fall approaches, many children experience a mix of excitement and stress. For kids and teens with anxiety, the transition can be particularly challenging.
The shift from the relaxed and carefree days of summer to the structured routines of the school year can result in additional anxiety. Understanding why this period is stressful can help parents, teachers, and caregivers provide the right support to ease the transition.
Signs Your Child is Having Difficulty Transitioning from Summer to Fall
Perhaps you’ve noticed some subtle changes in your child the last week or two as talk turns to back-to-school shopping or try outs for the soccer, football, or field hockey team? Here are some common signs that your child may be struggling with anxiety:
Physical signs of anxiety in kids and teens
- Frequent headaches
- Stomach pain or gastrointestinal issues
- Increased tiredness or difficulty sleeping
- Eating much more or much less than usual
- Stiffness or soreness in the muscles due to constant tension
- Difficulty sitting still or constantly needing to move
Emotional signs of anxiety in kids and teens
- Increased irritability or frequent mood swings
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Constant worrying about school, social interactions, or performance
- Feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks and responsibilities
- Avoiding activities, places, or people that they used to enjoy
- Difficulty finding motivation to engage in schoolwork or hobbies
Social Signs of anxiety in kids and teens
- Pulling away from friends and family, spending more time alone
- Frequent complaints about not wanting to go to school or making excuses to stay home
- Changes in how they interact with peers, such as becoming more reserved or anxious in social situations
- Increased conflicts or arguments with friends
- Struggling to make new friends or maintain existing friendships
- Constantly seeking reassurance from parents, teachers, or friends about their worries and fears
Reasons Why the Transition from Summer to Fall Can be Stressful for Kids and Teens with Anxiety
Recognizing the sources of stress during this transition is the first step in helping anxious kids and teens cope. By acknowledging their feelings and providing support, you can make the shift from summer to fall smoother and more manageable for them.
Let’s review some of the most common sources of stress:
Change in routine
During summer, routines are typically more relaxed. Kids and teens may have fewer obligations, more free time, and less structure in their days. When fall arrives, they must adjust to a more rigid schedule with early mornings, school hours, homework, and extracurricular activities.
This sudden shift can be overwhelming and stressful, especially for those who thrive on consistency and predictability.
Academic pressure
The start of the school year brings academic demands. Kids and teens may worry about new classes, harder subjects, and increased homework.
The pressure to perform well academically can create significant stress, particularly for those who already struggle with anxiety or have had difficulties in school before.
Social challenges
Returning to school often means re-entering social environments that can be sources of anxiety.
Kids and teens may worry about fitting in, making new friends, or dealing with bullying or social conflicts. The fear of not being accepted or liked by peers can be a major challenge.
Separation anxiety
For younger children, the start of the school year can trigger separation anxiety. Being away from parents and the comfort of home for extended periods can be distressing.
This anxiety can manifest in various ways, such as clinginess, reluctance to go to school, or physical symptoms like stomachaches.
New environments
Starting a new school or moving to a higher grade level often means entering unfamiliar environments.
New teachers, new classmates, and new expectations can all contribute to feelings of uncertainty and fear. Adapting to these changes can be challenging for kids and teens who prefer familiar settings.
Increased workload
With the new school year comes an increase in responsibilities and workload. Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and possibly part-time jobs can be difficult.
The fear of not being able to manage all these demands can lead to stress and anxiety.
Performance anxiety
Extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, or drama, often start up again in the fall. While these activities can be enjoyable and fulfilling, they can also bring performance pressure.
Kids and teens may worry about meeting expectations, competing, or performing in front of others.
Reduced daylight
As fall progresses, the days get shorter and there is less natural sunlight. This reduction in daylight can affect mood and energy levels, contributing to feelings of sadness or lethargy.
For some, the lack of sunlight can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year.
Loss of summer freedom
The end of summer signifies the loss of the freedom and relaxation that come with the season. Kids and teens often have more opportunities to engage in leisure activities, travel, and spend time with family and friends during the summer.
The return to the structured demands of school can feel like a loss, leading to feelings of sadness or frustration.
Parental expectations
Parents often have high expectations for the new school year. You may push your child to excel academically, participate in multiple activities, and maintain good behavior.
While these expectations are typically well-intentioned, they can create additional pressure and stress for kids and teens.
Uncertainty about the future
For older teens, the fall can bring stress related to future plans. High school students may be concerned about college applications, career choices, and other significant life decisions. The uncertainty about the future and the desire to make the right choices can be a major source of anxiety.
The transition from summer to fall involves many changes that can be stressful for kids and teens. Understanding the reasons behind this stress will help you provide the necessary support.
By acknowledging your child’s feelings, maintaining open communication, and offering practical strategies to cope with these changes, you can help your child navigate this transition with greater ease and confidence.
And don’t forget that Briefly Counseling’s online anxiety counseling for kids and teens is always here to assist you and your child get off to a great start this school year!
Begin Online Anxiety Therapy for Kids and Teens in Illinois and Florida!
If your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, there is hope! Anxiety is highly treatable and online
anxiety treatment at Briefly Counseling can help.
Using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, I help kids and teens reduce their anxiety and build resilience so they can become a happier, more confident version of themselves.
And kids love being able to receive counseling from the comfort and privacy of their own home. Studies have consistently proven that online therapy delivers equal results to in-office counseling.
As an experienced and caring therapist, I love providing counseling for anxiety. To start your child’s counseling journey, call me at 224-236-2296 or email Helena@BrieflyCounseling.com to schedule a FREE 20-minute consultation.
Helena Madsen, MA, LCPC is the founder of Briefly Counseling. I specialize in providing online short-term anxiety treatment for kids and teens ages 7 – 18 as well as Christian counseling.
Whether you’re on the North Shore, in Naperville, Chicago, Champaign, Barrington, Libertyville, Glenview, or downstate Illinois, I can help.
And effective 2024, I am now licensed in Florida! For parents in Jacksonville, Pensacola, Destin, Crestview, Coral Gables, Weston, Parkland, Naples, Marco Island, and Pinecrest, I have immediate openings.
Schedule your appointment or consultation today. I look forward to working with your child to quickly and effectively help them in activating their strengths, resources, and resilience, in order to live with confidence and hope.
