End of Summer and Back to School: Supporting Children, Parents, and Emerging Adults Through Transitions
The back-to-school season marks a period of transition for many families. For some, it’s the bittersweet feeling of a child’s first day in kindergarten. For others, it’s the excitement of watching a teenager drive themselves to school for the first time, or a young adult leaving home for college. Even for recent graduates entering the workforce, this time of year can bring new routines, responsibilities, and emotional shifts.
While these transitions can be exciting, they often come with challenges that affect emotional well-being. Understanding the social and emotional dynamics at play can help parents, caregivers, and young adults approach this season with greater resilience and connection.
The Nature of Back-to-School Transitions
Major life changes, even positive ones, require adjustment. Oftentimes, children, adolescents, and emerging adults feel a mix of excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty as this time of year approaches. They might be navigating new routines and expectations in a new environment as they move up to a higher grade. Recent college graduates may feel a sense of nostalgia during this time of year, if they are not going back to school for the first time, evoking questions about identity and purpose in life.
Additionally, parents will carry their own emotional load during this time, balancing their children’s needs with work, household responsibilities, and personal stress. It is important for parents to remember: Predictable routines, supportive relationships, and strong coping strategies can serve as a buffer against stress during transitional periods. These factors not only ease the adjustment process but also promote long-term emotional well-being.
Supporting Children in Early School Years
For young children, starting or returning to school is a major developmental step. They are learning to separate from caregivers, adapt to group settings, and follow structured routines. As a parent, it is important to separate your own feelings about what this change can mean, in order to fully support your child.
Normalize Emotions—Parents can help by naming and validating their child’s emotions. Statements like, “It’s okay to feel nervous and excited at the same time,” can reassure children that their feelings are normal
Practice Routines—Implementing the school schedule such as wake-up, meals, and bedtime a week before school starts helps make the transition smoother and reduces “first day” stress.
Build Confidence Through Small Wins—Acknowledging successes, even small ones like finding their classroom or saying hello to a classmate, reinforces competence and resilience.
Create After-School Connection Time—A daily decompression ritual, such as reading together or going for a short walk, provides a safe space to process the day’s events.
Supporting Adolescents and Parents of Adolescents
Adolescents face a different set of challenges. Academic pressure, identity exploration, and evolving peer relationships all peak during this stage. Parents and caregivers also experience a shift, supporting independence while maintaining connection.
Maintain Open Communication—Open-ended questions—“What was something that made you laugh today?”—invite conversation and signal interest beyond grades or performance.
Set Realistic Expectations—Adjustment periods can be bumpy. Adolescents may need time to re-establish homework routines or navigate new social circles.
Balance Independence with Support—Allow teens to problem-solve independently but offer guidance when needed. This builds autonomy without leaving them feeling isolated.
Manage Your Own Stress—Children and teens are sensitive to parental emotions. Modeling healthy coping strategies, such as exercise, mindfulness, or seeking support, can set a powerful example.
Related: Why Teens Are Compelled to Rebel—and What You Can Do About It
Supporting Emerging Adults: College Students and Recent Graduates
Emerging adulthood, typically defined as ages 18 to 25, is marked by significant transitions: moving away from home, adjusting to college life, entering the workforce, or managing finances independently. These milestones can trigger both excitement and anxiety.
Expect Emotional Highs and Lows—Shifting from high school to college or from college to the workforce often involves redefining daily routines, social circles, and self-concept. Emotional ups and downs are normal.
Build a Support Network—Engaging with campus organizations, community groups, or professional associations fosters belonging and reduces isolation
Create Structure in New Environments—Unstructured schedules can lead to disorganization and stress. Consistent sleep, meals, and self-care activities provide a sense of stability.
Stay Connected to Your Values—When navigating new environments, regular reflection on personal goals and priorities helps guide decisions and avoid burnout.
Common Stressors Among All Age Groups
While the specifics differ, certain stressors are common to children, adolescents, and emerging adults:
Performance Pressure: Whether it’s grades, extracurricular achievements, or job performance, many feel the weight of expectations.
Social Adjustment: Forming new friendships and maintaining old ones can be challenging during transitions.
Routine Disruption: Changes to sleep, meals, or daily structure can increase emotional vulnerability.
Identity Shifts: Especially for teens and young adults, transitional periods often coincide with significant identity exploration.
The Role of Caregivers and Support Systems
Supportive relationships are one of the strongest buffers against transitional stress. For children, this often means parents, teachers, and coaches. For young adults, peers, mentors, and professional networks play key roles.
Caregivers can help by:
Maintaining consistent and open communication
Encouraging problem-solving and autonomy
Modeling healthy coping strategies
Connecting individuals with additional resources when needed
When to Seek Professional Support
While temporary stress is a normal part of transitions, prolonged or intense symptoms may indicate the need for professional help. Warning signs include:
Persistent anxiety or sadness
Withdrawal from activities or relationships
Sleep disturbances or appetite changes
Declining academic or work performance
Related: Play Therapy: More Than Fun and Games
A Supportive Approach to Transitions Facilitates Growth
Back-to-school season is more than an academic reset—it is a developmental milestone with emotional ripple effects across the lifespan. Children, adolescents, emerging adults, and their caregivers can all benefit from intentional preparation, open communication, and supportive routines.
By approaching transitions with understanding, patience, and evidence-based strategies, we can turn periods of change into opportunities for growth. In doing so, we not only ease the challenges of the moment but also build lifelong resilience.
Parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual. It’s OK to seek support along the way.
If you’re interested in learning more about child or adolescent therapy, individual therapy, family therapy or parenting support, please contact us by submitting this form or calling us at (708) 480-2813. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.