As the school year rolls around, it’s not just the kids feeling the stress—parents are in the thick of it too! Zoee Johnson, a rising third-grader, is bursting with excitement and nerves as she wonders who her teacher will be, especially after a recent teacher shortage was announced. Her mom, Tamika Scruggs, has been fielding a barrage of anxious questions and is fully aware that a cute backpack won’t cover up the worry weighing on their minds. It’s clear: this back-to-school season, anxiety is in the air!

Dr. Beth Trammell, a psychologist, understands this whirlwind of emotions all too well. Her advice? Instead of brushing off your child’s fears, have a real conversation about their concerns. It’s all about validating those nervous feelings rather than telling them not to worry. This isn’t just important for the kids—the calm energy from parents can work wonders on those jittery little hearts. After all, who wouldn’t feel better about school after a few deep breaths and some encouragement?

And let’s not overlook the shopping frenzy that accompanies this season. According to Dr. Trammell, nearly half of all parents are willing to go into debt to make sure their kids blend in at school. But hold on—kids actually care more about friendship than about that pricey backpack you just bought. Who knew we could save a bunch of cash by just being good listeners? So next time you’re at the store, remember that fitting in starts with courage, not cash!

What are your go-to strategies for dealing with back-to-school anxiety? Let’s share tips and tricks for a smoother return to the classroom!