Mayo Clinic Minute: Four ways to help kids overcome back-to-school anxiety

Heading back to school after a long summer break can be an exciting time for kids and caregivers. But for some students, the anxiousness of heading back to school may be fueled by fears or worry. In this Mayo Clinic Minute, Dr. Stephen Whiteside, a Mayo Clinic child psychologist, offers five tips on how to help kids overcome back-to-school anxiety.

Many of the things parents and caregivers can do to help kids with back-to-school worries are fairly straightforward.

Dr. Whiteside says some kids might feel overwhelmed at the thought of interacting and reconnecting with peers.

He says the main thing to avoid is avoidance.

Finally, making sure kids get good, structured sleep, are eating well, limiting screen time and emphasizing physical activities can help kids feel better.
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