Starting the New School Year: Feeling the back-to-school jitters?

The start of a new school term brings all sorts of emotions for children and for us as parents.

Whether your child is five or fifteen, heading into P1 or S4, it’s completely normal for them to feel a bit unsettled after the holidays.

At My Primary and Secondary Tutor, we see this every year. Children often need a little extra support to get back into school routines, and some need more than just time—they need strategies, reassurance, and a space to feel heard. That’s why we put emotions first.

Why going back to school can feel so hard

Returning to school means early mornings, stricter routines, and the pressures of social life and schoolwork. For younger children, that might look like clinginess at the school gates or tears at bedtime. For older students, it might show up as headaches, avoiding homework, or a change in mood.

It’s not always obvious what’s going on but underneath, there’s often anxiety, overwhelm, or self-doubt. That’s where Emotions First, our online mental wellness course, can be such a powerful support. It’s designed to help secondary students name and understand their feelings, then develop practical tools to manage them.

Spotting the signs of school anxiety

Some signs to look out for:

• Reluctance to go to school

• Complaints of feeling unwell (especially in the mornings)

• Disrupted sleep or appetite

• Worrying about schoolwork or friendships

• Mood changes at home

These behaviours are more common than you might think. At My Primary and Secondary Tutor, we’ve worked with hundreds of children across Scotland who experience similar challenges and we know that with the right support, things do improve.

How to ease the transition

Here are a few ideas to gently support your child:

Start conversations early
Ask open-ended questions like, “What are you looking forward to?” or “Is there anything you’re feeling unsure about?” Listening—without jumping to solutions—is one of the most powerful things we can do.

Create calm routines at home
Consistency can ease anxiety. A regular bedtime, a clear morning routine, and downtime after school can all help children feel more secure.

Talk about emotions
Help your child name what they’re feeling. You might say, “It sounds like you're feeling nervous,” or, “You’re not the only one who finds this tricky.” Our Emotions First course supports this emotional literacy in a structured and age-appropriate way.

Reintroduce structure slowly
Ease back into school routines a few days early if possible. Practise packing bags, laying out uniforms, or planning the week together so nothing feels like a last-minute rush.

Reconnect socially
Arrange a playdate, walk, or online catch-up with friends if your child hasn’t seen anyone from school over the break. Familiar faces can make all the difference.

What if the worries continue?

If your child’s anxiety lingers or gets worse, you’re not alone and you’re not overreacting by seeking support.

That’s why My Primary and Secondary Tutor doesn’t just focus on academics. We believe learning starts with feeling safe, seen and supported. Our Emotions First course is one way we help children regain their confidence and find their footing again, both in school and in life.

Other sources of support include:

1. YoungMinds

🔗 https://www.youngminds.org.uk
YoungMinds is one of the UK’s leading charities supporting children and young people's mental health. Their website offers practical advice for parents, a helpline, and toolkits for supporting children with anxiety, low mood, and school-related worries.

📞 Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 4pm)

2. CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

Parents can ask their GP or school to refer their child to CAMHS if anxiety is having a significant impact on their daily life. While waiting lists can be long, CAMHS can offer professional assessment, therapy, and mental health support tailored to your child’s needs.

ℹ️ Speak to your GP or school’s wellbeing team to start a referral.

3. Parentline Scotland (run by Children 1st)

🔗 https://www.children1st.org.uk
Parentline offers confidential advice and support for any parenting concern—including children’s anxiety. You can call, webchat, or text for support from trained staff who understand the pressures Scottish families face.

📞 Parentline Scotland: 08000 28 22 33
💬 Webchat available via their website

Ready to support your child’s mental wellbeing this term?
Our Emotions First course is specifically designed for secondary students struggling with worry, stress, or low self-esteem. It’s gentle, practical, and proven to help students build resilience and believe in themselves again.

👉 Find out more and join the course today