A parent's guide to helping school-age children adjust to the new school year

If you’re like me and live in Montgomery County, Maryland, you’re already a few weeks into the school year. At this point, your child may still be adjusting to the new routine, expectations, and social environment. That’s completely normal! The start of a school year can bring excitement, but it can also bring stress for children and parents alike. Below are some ideas that may help make this transition smoother and set your family up for a positive year ahead.

Establish a Routine

After months of summer freedom, shifting back to early mornings and structured days can be tough. A consistent morning routine helps a school-age child adjust and know what to expect and reduces stress for everyone. Try creating a checklist of tasks—packing lunch, brushing teeth, or putting homework in the backpack. Preschool-age kids often enjoy putting stickers or checkmarks next to each item, while older children can take pride in managing the list themselves.

If mornings feel rushed, consider building in a short pause. Even one or two minutes to stretch, take deep breaths, or share something they’re looking forward to can make a big difference in how they start the day.

Accept the Changes

Children often struggle more with change than adults do. Acknowledging their feelings is one of the most powerful ways parents can help. For a younger child, change might mean longer stretches without bathroom breaks or less time for play. For older kids, it may involve navigating shifting friendships, heavier academic demands, or simply adjusting to a bigger school environment.

When your child expresses frustration, sadness, or worry, try to validate those feelings rather than rushing to fix them. Saying something like, “I can see this feels hard for you right now” helps them feel understood, which can make the adjustment process easier.

Get Involved

Staying engaged in your child’s school life shows them that you care about their experiences beyond grades. If you have an elementary schooler, think about joining the PTA or volunteering at events like classroom parties. For parents of middle or high schoolers, attending school games, concerts, or other activities—even if your child isn’t participating—still helps you stay connected to the school community.

If you’re in Montgomery County, checking ParentVUE regularly is another great way to stay informed about grades, attendance, and assignments. This not only keeps you in the loop but also opens the door to important conversations with your child about their progress and challenges.

If your child is having a hard time adjusting this year and you think extra support could help, I encourage you to reach out. Therapy can give children practical tools for managing stress, building confidence, and navigating school life more successfully.

You can contact me at drhenriquez@lavenderhillspsychotherapy.com for more information.

I am a Maryland-based Bilingual Clinical Psychologist who specializes in working with

children and adolescents and their families with a range of emotional and behavioral conflicts and issues.