Press Release

Back-to-School Anxiety Can Be Hard to Spot: What Parents of Young Learners Should Know

Last updated on: September 2, 2026

VANCOUVER — September 3, 2026 — As families prepare for another school year, the familiar back-to-school checklist often focuses on supplies, schedules, teachers, and routines. But for young children with learning differences, returning to school can bring a deeper layer of stress and anxiety that may not always be visible to parents.

Lightwell Learning, previously Learn. Develop. Succeed., is encouraging families to look beyond the first-day nerves, recognize back-to-school anxiety and understand its effects on a child’s confidence, emotional regulation, and willingness to engage in learning.

The anxiety parents may not see

Children may not always have the words to express what they are feeling or what is making them anxious. Instead, parents may notice changes in behaviour, including:

Reluctant to speak or participate at school
Increased irritability, frustration, or emotional outbursts
Trouble sleeping or difficulty getting ready in the morning
Avoidance of school-related conversations or activities
Frequent physical complaints such as stomachaches or headaches
Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes
Withdrawal from activities they normally enjoy
Increased dependence on parents or reluctance to separate
Heightened emotions around transitions, like drop-off or pick-up

These responses can sometimes be mistaken for shyness, defiance, laziness, or simply being “not ready” for school.

“Sometimes a child comes in already convinced they won’t be able to do something,” says Andrea, a Lightwell Learning Senior Instructor. “When they realize they can make mistakes, ask for help and learn in a way that works for them, you can see the tension ease and their confidence start to return.”

Why the transition feels difficult

The beginning of a school year introduces uncertainty for every child, but learners with differences in areas such as reading, writing, communication, or processing may face additional demands.

A new classroom can bring hidden demands, like navigating unfamiliar routines, interpreting social expectations, and coping with fears of falling behind or not fitting in. Previous experiences of academic frustration or feeling different from classmates can also influence how a child approaches a new school year and how they view themselves as a learner.

“When a child is struggling at school, we often focus first on academic skills, but how they feel about themselves as a learner matters just as much,” says Rachel Forbes, Executive Director of Lightwell Learning. “Repeated experiences of frustration, worry or feeling different can shape a child’s confidence and willingness to take risks in learning. The earlier we help children feel understood and give them the right support, the more opportunity they have to build confidence alongside their skills.”

Supporting confidence before the first day

Lightwell Learning recommends that parents begin conversations about school before anxiety peaks. Families can help by:

Making the unknown more familiar. Talk through what the school day will look like, including arrival, breaks, dismissal, and childcare schedules

Listening before solving. Instead of immediately reassuring a worried child that “everything will be fine,” ask what specifically feels difficult and acknowledge their concern.

Focusing on strengths. Remind children of what they do well and the progress they have already made, rather than focusing exclusively on areas of difficulty.

Read books about worry and school experiences. Stories can help children see they are not alone in their feelings and discover supportive ways to navigate them.

Connecting with the school. Sharing relevant information with teachers and support staff can help create consistency between home and school.

Celebrating effort and self-advocacy. A child asking for help, taking a break, or trying something challenging is a meaningful success—even when the outcome isn’t perfect.

When extra support may be needed

If your child continues to struggle with reading, writing, math, focus, organization, or confidence and doubts their ability, it might be time to seek extra support. Personalized learning support and evidence-based programs can boost your child’s confidence, improve academic skills, and help them develop emotional resilience.

Help your child feel understood and supported all year long.

A successful return to school starts with feeling understood

Back-to-school preparation is not only about getting children ready for the classroom. It is also about helping them feel understood and supported.

About Lightwell Learning

Lightwell Learning is a Canadian nonprofit providing personalized, neuroaffirming learning support for people with learning and brain-based differences. Building on more than 50 years of experience, Lightwell combines specialized expertise, evidence-informed instruction, innovative technology, and individualized support to help learners make progress, build confidence, and unlock their potential.

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