Back to School Anxiety: How a Therapist in CT Can Support Moms and Kids Through the Transition
Jennifer Laptew Williams, LPC | Trauma therapist and Advanced specialist in Accelerated Resolution Therapy
The Back-to-School Jitters Are Real
As summer winds down, many moms find themselves lying awake at night worrying: Will my child adjust to their new teacher? Will they make friends? Will their anxiety spiral when the workload picks up? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Back-to-school season is exciting, but it can also bring a wave of stress for both kids and parents. Many moms I work with describe the weeks before school as filled with a mix of excitement, dread, and second-guessing:
“What if my child falls behind academically?”
“How can I ease their big feelings without passing along my own anxiety?”
“Am I doing enough to set them up for success?”
As a therapist in CT who specializes in helping to manage stress, anxiety, and transitions, I want to offer both hope and practical strategies. With the right tools, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and supportive routines, this school year can be calmer, more connected, and even enjoyable.
👉 Learn more about Accelerated Resolution Therapy for anxiety here
Why Moms Often Carry the Weight of Back-to-School Stress
If you’re a mom, chances are you’re the emotional hub of your household. You feel the ripple effects of your child’s struggles and you want to do everything you can to prevent them from feeling pain. This is a beautiful part of motherhood, but it can also leave you carrying more than your fair share of worry.
You might notice your own school-year anxiety flashbacks: remembering your struggles with academics or friendships.
You may feel the pressure of balancing lunches, after-school schedules, and homework help on top of your own work and responsibilities.
You want your child to succeed and may fear that you’re not giving them the right support.
This emotional load can quickly become overwhelming, especially when your child is also showing signs of stress. That’s where therapy in CT can help not just for your child, but for you too.
How Anxiety Shows Up in Kids (And Why It’s Not Just “Nerves”)
Children often express school anxiety differently than adults do. Instead of saying, “I’m worried about failing math,” it might show up as:
Morning meltdowns or stomachaches before school
Difficulty sleeping the night before big tests or transitions
Avoiding homework or procrastinating
Irritability or shutting down when asked about their day
Sudden complaints of headaches or other physical symptoms
As a therapist in CT, I help parents understand that these are not just behavioral issues, they are signals. Kids are trying to communicate that something feels too big to handle. The good news is, with the right support, these patterns can shift.
What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and How Can It Help?
One of the tools I use in my practice is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). If you haven’t heard of it, you’re not alone, many parents are curious when I explain how it works.
ART helps both kids and adults process stressful or traumatic memories in a way that reduces the emotional charge. Unlike traditional talk therapy, ART uses eye movements and guided visualization to “rewire” the way the brain stores difficult experiences.
For a child who has had a negative school experience, like bullying, embarrassment in class, or academic struggles, ART can help them let go of the fear associated with those memories. This allows them to approach the new school year with confidence instead of dread.
For moms, ART can be powerful for reducing their own anxiety, perfectionism, or lingering guilt. By clearing emotional blocks, you’re able to parent from a calmer, more grounded place.
Starting therapy with ART can feel like a reset, setting both you and your child on a calmer path.
👉 Read more about trauma therapy with ART
Practical Back-to-School Tips for Moms and Kids
While therapy can provide deep healing, there are also everyday strategies that can make the transition smoother. Here are some of my top recommendations:
1. Start Routines Early
Begin adjusting bedtimes and wake-ups a week or two before school starts. A consistent rhythm helps kids feel safe and prepared.
2. Practice School Scenarios
Role-play what the first day will look like. Go through drop-off, finding classrooms, or opening a locker. This makes the unfamiliar feel more predictable.
3. Create a Calm Morning Plan
Mornings can be chaos. Prepare lunches, backpacks, and outfits the night before. Build in extra time so you’re not rushing because as we know, kids feel our energy.
4. Talk About Feelings Openly
Let your child know it’s normal to feel nervous. Share your own experiences with starting something new. When kids see you name feelings calmly, they learn to do the same.
5. Limit Overscheduling
After-school activities can be great, but too many lead to burnout. Choose one or two that your child truly enjoys.
6. Practice Mind-Body Strategies Together
Breathing exercises, short meditations, or even stretching can be family rituals. Kids love when moms participate too.
Why Working With a Therapist in CT Makes a Difference
Sometimes, even with all the right strategies, the stress feels too heavy. That’s when reaching out for support can change everything.
As a therapist in CT, I help moms and children:
Reduce school-related anxiety using ART and other proven techniques
Develop coping skills tailored to each child’s personality and needs
Support moms in managing their own worry so they can model calm confidence
Strengthen communication between parent and child during stressful times
Therapy isn’t about “fixing” anyone, it’s about creating space for both moms and kids to thrive.
Building Hope for the School Year Ahead
Imagine this: instead of dreading the start of the school year, you feel grounded and hopeful. Your child heads into the classroom with tools to manage their worries, and you know how to support them without absorbing all of their stress.
This doesn’t have to be just a dream. With the right support, this school year can look and feel different.
If you’re ready to explore how therapy can support you and your child, I’d love to talk with you.
FAQs About Back-to-School Anxiety and Therapy
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Some worry is natural, but if anxiety is interfering with sleep, eating, or daily functioning, it’s worth reaching out to a therapist in CT.
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Yes, ART is highly effective for kids. It’s gentle, doesn’t require sharing every detail, and often shows results very quickly.
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Sometimes yes, sometimes no. We’ll decide together based on your child’s needs. Parent sessions are often very helpful.
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That’s incredibly common. Supporting yourself in therapy often creates a ripple effect that helps your whole family.
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Many clients I work with notice significant positive changes after the first ART session and complete resolution of symptoms within 1-5 ART sessions.
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Not at all. Therapy is also for everyday stress, life transitions, and building resilience.
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Yes, by reducing anxiety, therapy often improves concentration and motivation.
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No, I also work with adults, including moms who want support for their own anxiety, stress, and past experiences.
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The first step is a free consultation. We’ll talk about your concerns and see if we’re a good fit.
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Keep it simple: let them know it’s a safe space to talk, and that I’m here to help them feel better.
Take the First Step Toward a Calmer School Year
Imagine mornings without meltdowns, evenings without constant stress, and a school year where both you and your child feel confident and supported. Back-to-school doesn’t have to feel like walking on eggshells. With the right support, you and your child can find steadier mornings and calmer nights. As a therapist in CT, I’d love to help give both you and your child the tools to feel calmer, more confident, and more connected. Let’s start by talking through what’s been hard and what could feel better.