Is It Just “Back-to-School Jitters”? A Therapist in Berkeley Shares How School Anxiety Can Impact Kids, Teens, and Parents
By Robyn Ganeles, LMFT
The school year is about to begin, and while you may be feeling solid on the logistics (schedules are set, school supplies are purchase, transportation is arranged), many families in Berkeley are feeling slightly less confident on the inside. Beneath the surface of preparation, there’s often a quiet, or not-so-quiet, sense of anxiety about what the return to school will really bring.
As a therapist in Berkeley, I’ve supported countless families through the transition from summer to school year. And I can tell you, it’s not just the kids who are anxious. Parents, elementary-aged kids, tweens, and teens all carry invisible stress as routines shift and expectations ramp up.
So how can you tell what’s “normal”, what’s not, and when it’s time to get support? Let’s break it down.
What “Back-to-School Jitters” Really Mean
A little nervousness before school starts is common. But for many kids (and their parents), this anxiety goes deeper than butterflies.
Elementary-aged kids might cry, refuse to go to school, or complain of tummy aches.
Middle schoolers often feel peer pressure, academic stress, or social anxiety but don’t always have the words for it.
Teens may seem irritable, withdrawn, or overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed.
And parents? Many are trying to hold it all together - managing logistics, navigating their child’s emotional needs, and wondering if they’re doing it “right.”
When you notice ongoing physical complaints, mood swings, sleep disruptions, or have a sense that school is a source of distress instead of growth, it’s worth paying attention.
Signs of School-Related Anxiety in Kids and Teens
Here are some behaviors I often see in therapy that signal deeper anxiety:
💢 Increased irritability or emotional outbursts
Your child might seem “moody,” but they could be overwhelmed.
😰 Sleep problems
Trouble falling asleep, waking early, or nightmares are common signs of stress.
🚫 Avoidance or refusal
Complaints of stomachaches or headaches? These might be real symptoms of anxiety, not just a tactic to stay home.
😶 Withdrawal from friends or activities
Kids who were once social may suddenly seem quiet or disconnected.
📉 Drop in academic performance
When stress builds, focus and motivation often drop.
Why Parents Feel the Pressure Too
Here’s the part we don’t talk about enough: back-to-school anxiety isn’t just about the kids.
Parents in Berkeley are often juggling full-time jobs, caregiving responsibilities, and the mental load of parenting. You may be worried about your child’s emotional well-being, social dynamics, learning struggles, or even your own reactivity and how to stay calm under pressure.
If you find yourself dreading school mornings, staying up late researching solutions, or walking on eggshells around your child’s emotions, you’re not alone. Many parents seek out parent counseling in Berkeley for exactly this reason, to have a space to process, reset, and find calm in the chaos.
What Causes Back-to-School Stress?
Some common triggers I explore in therapy include:
Transitions and uncertainty
New classrooms, teachers, routines, and friendships can feel destabilizing.Academic pressure
Even young kids may fear making mistakes or “not being good enough.”Social anxiety and bullying
Navigating friendships (or feeling excluded) can be overwhelming, especially in middle and high school.Perfectionism
This shows up in both kids and parents—and can drive burnout quickly.Family stress
Even when we try to “keep it together,” our kids can feel the tension at home.
How Therapy Helps Kids, Teens, and Families in Berkeley
Support doesn’t have to come only after a crisis. Therapy can be a proactive, grounding space for your child, or you as a parent, to feel understood and gain tools to cope.
At my practice, I offer:
Anxiety therapy in Berkeley to help adults learn calming strategies, manage overwhelming thoughts, and feel more in control.
Teen therapy that offers a safe space to express emotions, explore identity, and build confidence.
Parent counseling where we work together to understand what’s happening beneath your child’s behavior—and how you can stay connected and calm even when things get messy.
You don’t have to navigate the school year alone.
What If It Is Just Jitters?
Sometimes, it is temporary. A couple of rough mornings may pass with some extra hugs, words of understanding, sleep, and structure. But if the struggles persist for more than a few weeks, or if you just have a gut feeling something’s off, it’s okay to reach out.
Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for building resilience.
Looking for a Therapist in Berkeley?
If this post resonated with you and you’re looking for a therapist in Berkeley, I’d love to support your family.
You don’t have to have it all figured out by the first day of school. Just like our kids, we’re all still learning - how to stay steady in chaos, how to support each other, and how to grow through challenging times. Connection can make a big difference for your child, and for you.
➡️Learn more about how I work with parents, teens, and anxiety or click the button below to schedule a free 15 minute consultation.
Therapist in Berkeley - Author Bio
Robyn Ganeles, LMFT, is a therapist in Berkeley specializing in anxiety, infertility, parenting, and adolescent mental health. With over 15 years of experience, she combines evidence-based practices with a warm, relational approach to help clients feel understood and empowered. Robyn is also a clinical supervisor at Seneca Family of Agencies and has presented at regional and national conferences on parenting, trauma, and school-based mental health. She holds an MA in Counseling Psychology (USF), an MFA from Yale, and a BA from UC Berkeley.