Preparing for the Back-to-School Transition

Written By Jennifer Jury

Support for Kids Who Struggle with Changes in Routine

The return to school is a big adjustment for most families, but for some children, it is more than just a shift in schedule. It can be a significant emotional and behavioral challenge. These are the kids who find comfort in predictability, who need extra time to adjust to new environments, and who may feel overwhelmed when routines change unexpectedly.

At Acadia Psychology and Learning Services, we often work with children who have a harder time with transitions. Whether related to anxiety, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing differences, or executive functioning challenges, the back-to-school season can feel disorienting and exhausting.

With the right supports in place, these children can move into the school year with greater confidence and emotional security.

Why Transitions Are Extra Hard for Some Kids

Children who struggle with flexibility and regulation often rely on consistent routines to feel safe. Even if summer has been unstructured, it has become familiar. The start of school introduces many changes all at once, including:

  • A new classroom, teacher, or building

  • Different schedules and expectations

  • Increased sensory input and social interaction

  • Less downtime and limited control over the day

These changes can lead to meltdowns, irritability, sleep disruptions, or withdrawal. This does not mean your child is not capable or ready. It simply means they need a different kind of preparation and support.

Supportive Strategies and Creative Ideas for a Smoother Transition

If your child has a history of struggling with transitions, these strategies are designed to meet their needs and reduce the overwhelm.

1. Start easing into the routine early
Begin shifting wake-up times, bedtimes, and daily expectations a little at a time. Practice the morning routine at a relaxed pace. This helps your child adjust gradually and lowers the stress of sudden change.

Creative ideas:

  • Set an “alarm challenge” using a favorite song to make wake-up more fun

  • Use a visual countdown calendar with stickers or magnets to build anticipation

  • Role-play the morning routine with stuffed animals or action figures

2. Use visual supports to increase predictability
Visual schedules, calendars, or simple checklists can be helpful. Seeing what to expect removes some of the uncertainty and gives your child a sense of control over their day.

Creative ideas:

  • Create a personalized picture schedule using photos of your child doing each step (e.g., brushing teeth, packing backpack)

  • Let your child help decorate a dry-erase schedule board with their favorite colors

  • Use story-based social narratives (“First, I get dressed. Then, I eat breakfast…”) to walk through the day

3. Preview what you can ahead of time
Visit the school, walk through the building, or look at a photo of the classroom or teacher. Practice the route, rehearse the routine, and offer clear information about what will happen during the school day.

Creative ideas:

  • Ask the school for a photo of the classroom or teacher to add to a “Back-to-School Preview Book”

  • Draw a simple map of the school together and color in the areas they will use (e.g., classroom, cafeteria, nurse’s office)

  • Create a “first day checklist” together with items like: Smile at my teacher, Hang up my backpack, Eat my snack

4. Keep your language specific and supportive
Avoid general statements like “You’ll be fine.” Instead, say things like, “After lunch, you’ll have recess, and then your teacher will read a story.” Let your child know it is okay to feel nervous or unsure.

Creative ideas:

  • Use a whiteboard or sticky notes to show the day’s flow: “1. School, 2. Snack, 3. Tablet time, 4. Dinner”

  • Make a simple “What to Expect” card they can take to school with brief prompts like, “If I feel nervous, I can…,” “After lunch, I will…”

5. Build in calm after-school time
Children who struggle with transitions often hold it together during the day and release their emotions once they are home. Create a predictable after-school routine with time for rest, movement, or favorite activities.

Creative ideas:

  • Create a “Cozy Corner” with headphones, fidgets, books, or a weighted blanket

  • Offer a “choice board” with three calming options: 1. Bounce on the yoga ball, 2. Draw quietly, 3. Swing outside

  • Use a “feelings thermometer” to help your child decide what kind of break they need

6. Validate their feelings
Even if they have done this before, returning to school can still be difficult. Let your child know you understand. You might say, “It’s okay that this feels hard. We’ll get through it together.”

Creative ideas:

  • Start a shared journal where they can write or draw about their worries

  • Use puppets, LEGO characters, or a comic strip to act out common back-to-school feelings

  • Keep a “Feelings Basket” with emotion cards they can hand to you if they don’t have words

7. Know when to seek extra support
If back-to-school stress leads to increased meltdowns, school refusal, sleep disruption, or withdrawal, it may be more than just nerves. A comprehensive psychological evaluation can help identify underlying needs and guide appropriate supports.

The Bottom Line

Some children need more time, structure, and support to handle transitions. That is not a reflection of failure. It is a reflection of how their nervous system experiences the world. When we slow down and meet their needs with patience and creativity, they feel safer and more prepared to engage.

With preparation, patience, and compassion, you can help your child feel more grounded as they head into a new school year.

If your child continues to show signs of distress well into the school year, or if daily functioning is impacted, we are here to help! At Acadia Psychology and Learning Services, we provide thoughtful, neurodiversity-affirming evaluations that lead to real insight and practical recommendations. We are ready to partner with you!

Jennifer Jury