When Anxiety Shows Up in August

Backpacks are new, the pencils are sharp, but something still feels off. If your child is more irritable, more clingy, or having a hard time sleeping, it might not be about summer ending — it might be anxiety about what’s ahead.

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At JAM, we’ve worked with hundreds of students who experience August dread. It often shows up as:

• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Big emotions over small things
• Avoidance or refusal to talk about school
• More meltdowns or control-seeking behavior

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This is normal — and it’s addressable. Children often feel anxious when faced with something unknown, unpredictable, or too big to manage. That’s why your tone, structure, and support matter.

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Here’s what helps:

• Stay steady: The calmer you are, the safer they feel.
• Talk it through: “What are you nervous about? What part do you feel ready for?”
• Practice small exposures: Drive past the school, walk through the routine, pack the bag together.
• Avoid over-reassurance: Instead of “It’ll be fine,” try “It makes sense you feel nervous — and I’m here to help you through it.”

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If back-to-school anxiety is taking over your home, you’re not alone. JAM offers coaching and support that helps kids build the skills and systems to manage transitions with confidence.

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