Helping Kids Combat Back-to-School Anxiety
September 12, 2025
Helping Kids Combat Back-to-School Anxiety
Back-to-school season can bring excitement—but also stress. Since the pandemic, school avoidance rates have risen, with anxiety now driving more kids to miss school than ever before. While it’s natural for parents and caregivers to want to protect their children from distress, too much avoidance can actually make anxiety worse. We’ve partnered with Dartmouth Health Children’s on this important topic. Take a look at their Tiny Tips video below to learn about the "3 Exes" and how they can help ease back-to-school anxieties.
The “3 Exes” Strategy
One helpful strategy for combating your child’s anxiety is teaching them the “3 Exes”:
- Expecting: Help your child recognize that feeling nervous is normal and expected.
- Externalizing: Encourage them to see anxiety as something outside of themselves—like a “worry bully”—that they can talk back to.
- Experimenting: Support small steps toward facing fears, like practicing morning routines or visiting school before the first day.
Activities that Encourage Play & Connection
Alongside these coping skills, play is a powerful tool. Play allows children to relax, build confidence, and develop resilience—important antidotes to anxiety. Simple, unstructured playtime or engaging in activities they enjoy can make transitions like going back to school easier. Here just a few fun activity ideas for kids and families to play and connect:
- Go for a family walk or bike ride. Fresh air and movement are natural stress relievers for both kids and adults.
- Visit your local playground or park. Let kids lead the way with games of tag, hide-and-seek, or climbing challenges. On rainy days, check out the indoor playground at the Concord Y!
- Take advantage of Open Swim at the Y. Splashing around together can be both active and calming.
- Enjoy Open Gym time at the Y. Shoot hoops, play catch, or bring a jump rope for some friendly competition.
- Have a dance party at home. Pick a playlist, turn up the music, and let everyone show off their best (or silliest) moves.
- Build an obstacle course at home. Use pillows, chairs, and blankets to create a fun challenge.
- Explore Open Gymnastics & Open Climb at the YMCA Allard Center. Perfect for adventurous kids who love to climb and tumble.
- Play a board game or card game together. Games can teach patience, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Join a Chess Club. Our Manchester branch offers one for free to members and it’s open to all ages!
- Sign up for a Kids or Teen Night at the Y. These evenings give children a safe, fun space to make new friends.
- Try a mindfulness activity together. Guided breathing, drawing, or listening to calming music can help kids regulate big feelings.
Helping kids face school anxiety doesn’t mean removing every challenge—it means giving them the tools and support to manage it. With coping strategies, play, and community resources, your child can feel more confident heading into the school year.
