Overview

• Recent research reported by The Times from Save My Exams finds that more than half of 12- to 18-year-olds feel anxious about returning to school, with worries about fitting in or new teachers linked to sleeplessness, headaches and nausea.
• Consultant clinical psychologist Dr Elizabeth Kilbey recommends naming and validating feelings, offering calm leadership rather than constant reassurance, and limiting worry discussions to about 15 minutes before moving on.
• Experts advise restoring fundamentals in the days before term starts, including earlier, age-appropriate bedtimes, fewer screens at night, balanced meals, exercise and fresh air to improve resilience.
• Simple calming interventions such as brief hand massages at bedtime can help children settle, with studies linking the practice to lower cortisol and reduced agitation.
• Planning can ease transitions with a practice run to school, a simple goodbye ritual, ready pick-up snacks and an end-of-first-week treat, while playdates, after-school clubs, shopping for supplies and age-appropriate back-to-school books support younger children.