While going back to school after summer break can be exciting for some students, others can struggle with anxiety when heading back for a new school year. This anxiety can be increasingly more present for students with pre-existing anxiety for change, separation, or school, as well as for students starting at a new school. Anxiety is a natural response for new or experienced transitions and can naturally fade for most students as the weeks and days go on. While natural, it can also be hard for a parent or caregiver to see your child in distress, particularly if you know they will either love or be “just fine” in their new class or school. The role of the parent or caregiver is to recognize signs of anxiety (this can look different for everyone), validate, and gradually prepare your child to lean into the anxiety to overcome it rather than avoid it. It is an innate response to want to prevent any distress or discomfort your child may experience, however, when supporting anxiety the message should be one of validation and letting them know that “yes, this is scary, and I am here to help you through it". While some children may need more direct or intentional skill building from a professional when it comes to coping with anxiety, here are seven tips to ease back-to-school anxiety so it does not grow into bigger fears, avoidance, or self-doubt.