Top 5 Ways to Beat End-of-Summer Scaries for Kids & Parents

Top 3 Key Takeaways

• Recognize End-of-Summer Scaries: Understand why kids and parents feel anxious as summer ends.

• Practical Tips for Transition: 5 ways to ease back-to-school stress for the whole family.

• Support and Communication: Strengthen family bonds and boost confidence for a smooth start.

  
  

Many adults who work a traditional 9-5 know about the Sunday Scaries: you’re sitting at brunch with friends, and someone inevitably reminds the group that they can’t stay too long. 🫨Monday looms over the weekend fun, and everyone lets out a collective groan.

No one wants to be reminded that they must return to work after a period of fun and relaxation — not adults, and definitely not kids. Much like the Sunday Scaries, the End-of-Summer Scaries are real, and they can be panic-inducing.

Definition: End of summer scaries

• "End of summer scaries" describes the anxiety, dread, and melancholy experienced as summer ends and the transition to fall brings back-to-school routines, the end of warm-weather freedom, and a return to cooler, shorter days. This phenomenon is rooted in the stress of seasonal changes and the anticipation of responsibilities, and can be managed by maintaining routines, preparing for changes, and prioritizing self-care.
  

• Your child might be struggling with major existential questions at this time:

  • “What if my friends found new people and don’t like me anymore?”

  • “What if I’m not ready for this new grade or this new school?”

  • “What if all my teachers are jerks?”

  • “What if I must endure 180 days of a terrible lunch program?”

  These worries can make kids feel overwhelmed or even shut down at the start of the school year. Parents know that change is both exhausting and inevitable. So how can you plan ahead and lessen the burden for both yourself and your child? Here are five practical ways to combat the End-of-Summer Scaries:

  
  

• 1. Stay in the Present Moment

  Worry tries to control the future, and regret tries to control the past — both are pointless. Focus on the present with your child, and encourage small moments of mindfulness. Even simple activities like a short walk, breathing exercises, or mindful play can help your child (and you) feel grounded.

  
  

• 2. Have an End-of-Summer “Ceremony”

  Celebrate the end of summer with an activity that brings joy and signals the start of a new school year. You don’t have to call it a ceremony - kids might find that weird - but make it meaningful:

  • Host a family barbecue

  • Take a day trip to a favorite spot

  • Have a night of cooking and watching favorite shows together

  This small ritual can make the transition feel less abrupt and more positive.

  
  

• 3. Talk to Your Kids

  Set aside intentional time to discuss fears, concerns, regrets, or other big feelings. As the adult who has survived life’s changes, remind your child that they will be okay. Listening actively and validating their feelings can reduce anxiety and build trust.

  
  

• 4. Plan the New Year Together

  Make the new school year feel more predictable and manageable:

  • Go school shopping for clothes and supplies.

  • Visit the new or existing campus, especially for high schoolers.

  • Explore the school’s learning management system (LMS) to know where to access grades, assignments, and announcements.

  • Email teachers to set a friendly and collaborative tone.

  These small actions can make kids feel more confident and prepared.

  
  

• 5. Reach Out to Friends — Both of You!

  Encourage your child to reconnect with school friends they haven’t spoken to in a few months. You, too, can check in with other parents — odds are, they’re experiencing the same challenges. Having a friend to talk through it helps everyone feel supported.

  
  

• Overcommunicate With Care

  Err on the side of clear communication. Talk intentionally about life changes without pressuring your child. It’s not about being a perfect parent — it’s about tackling the issues you know about and using conversation to guide your family through transitions.

  
  

• Embrace the New School Year

  I hope this helps you and your children as you embark on the new academic year! May it be filled with thrilling experiences. And remember: be kind to yourselves — parenting isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection and support.

  
  

• Call-to-Action Ideas:

  • Download a free back-to-school checklist to make transitions easier.

  • Subscribe to my email list (by submitting your info on my contact form).