Back-to-school season often comes with sharpened pencils, packed lunches, and picture day prep—but for many families, it also brings anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and a big shift in daily rhythms. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or returning to high school, the transition back to school can be challenging. At Sprout Therapy PDX, we believe supporting your child’s mental health during this time means meeting them (and yourself) with compassion and flexibility.

Big Feelings Are Normal The return to school can stir up all kinds of emotions: excitement, dread, fear, sadness, and everything in between. Even kids who seem "fine" may be navigating:

Social anxiety or friendship changes
Academic pressure or fear of failure
Neurodivergent needs that aren’t supported in traditional classrooms
Identity-based stress, bullying, or dysphoria
Exhaustion from masking or transitions

Your child isn’t being dramatic—they’re adapting to a big transition. It’s okay if it takes time.

How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health

Validate first. Let them know their feelings make sense, even if you can’t fix the problem.
Create consistent check-in moments. A few minutes before bed, during a car ride, or after school can go a long way.
Watch for signs of stress. These might look like irritability, fatigue, changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, or withdrawal from activities they usually enjoy.
Model your own regulation. You don’t need to be perfectly calm—but showing how you cope with stress can help them learn to do the same.

When to Consider Therapy If your child is struggling to adjust, therapy can provide a safe, supportive space. At Sprout, we work with kids, teens, and families across a range of needs, including:

Anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms
ADHD and executive functioning struggles
LGBTQ+ identity exploration or support
Family dynamics or communication challenges

We offer therapy that is neurodiversity-affirming, gender-affirming, and rooted in real-world understanding of what kids and parents are going through.

Final Thoughts There’s no "right" way to return to school. If your child is struggling—or if you’re struggling—it’s not a sign of failure. It’s a sign that care is needed.

Looking for therapy support for your child or teen? Sprout Therapy PDX offers inclusive, affirming care for families across Oregon. Reach out today to learn how we can help.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health as School Routines Resume