'A new school year means new beginnings, new adventures, new friendships, and new challenges. The slate is clean, and anything can happen.' (Denise Witmer)

Are you looking forward to going back to school? Some young people do, they are excited to be back and with their friends again. For others, it is a different story and that might be you. Are you like many young people and are dreading it, anxious to return? You may also compare yourself to others who seem to have none of these anxieties – why are they ok and I’m not?

As the start of school approaches, young people may get clingier, more nervous and emotional than usual. As parents you may have many feelings too. Leaving a crying young person at school isn’t easy. Having to talk a panicked young person onto the bus or out of the car at school can be a very upsetting experience.

You may be starting a new school, a new year, a new class. You may be going back to the same school. You may be feeling the stress of having new teachers or having to make new friends. You may have to sit tests, exams and are anxious, feeling the heaviness of expectations and pressures scared about fitting in.

For a young person, going back to school can be riddled with anxieties and self-doubt.

1. Listening
As parents, when your young person shares they are worried about going back to school, listening is hugely important. Rather than saying “There’s nothing to be worried about! Or You’ll be fine! listening to them and acknowledging their feelings will help them feel more secure. Young people often want to be able to talk about something they’re upset about without expecting you to fix them, so try to not offer them solutions, instead, let them figure out how to handle this themselves – empathise with them - “I know it’s hard” and demonstrate you have confidence that they can handle the situation. If your young person needs extra support, speak to the school to arrange pastoral support. For most young people the new-school-year worries will fade, and the anxious behaviours will lessen.
2. Preparation really helps
- Arrange to visit the school before the term starts to see where your new classroom is, where the toilets are, where the dining room is and to meet your new teacher/tutor.
- Make a checklist of things you need to take to school and tick each off as you organise yourself.
- Why not lay out your clothes the night before and pack your bag, maybe even put your bag ready at the front door? Have your packed lunch prepped the night before too!
3. Sleep
Waking up for school maybe at an earlier time to your usual time during the holidays. Why not practise getting up at the new time a few days before by setting your alarm?
Having enough sleep is important to set you up for school – it helps with your concentration, it helps with stress, it helps with your memory, it rids your body of toxins and helps you feels re-energised.
4. Food
Try to start the day with a nutritious breakfast, which will also help feed your mind, support your immune system and boost your energy levels throughout the day.
5. Timetable/routines
If you’ve got a new timetable, or a new routine, have a look at it a few days before you’re due to start back at school. This can help ease you into your new routine, so it doesn’t feel too strange on your first day back, and you know what’s coming. Have it on your phone or printed out so that you can check it easily.
6. Step by step
From lessons, activities, homework to exams, don’t try to approach everything at once. Work out how you’re going to prioritise each task and take it step by step. Try keeping a diary or making a list on your phone to keep on top of it all. Planning is key.
7. Tests or exams aren't everything
Adult life will teach you that it’s not all about tests or exam results, and whatever you get, there are always other options and routes that don’t revolve around top grades. Be who you are and do the best you can.
8. Think ahead
If you're really dreading going back, try and write a list of the things you are looking forward to. This could be seeing a friend, being in a certain class or an event you may have coming up in your school. Stick it somewhere you can see easily on your first day to remind yourself of the good things you have to look forward to.
9. Talk
It is so important you feel you can talk to someone, should you need to. As difficult as it may seem, talking to a friend, parent or someone you can trust can really help. If school is really getting you down, remember you're not alone, share how you are feeling – it will help.
10. Memento
Pop something small into your pocket that reminds you of a special person or from home such as a small cuddly or decorated pebble or photograph or even a friendship bracelet - to remind you that you are loved and cared about.

Remember - ‘No one is perfect ... that's why pencils have erasers.’(Wolfgang Riebe)