Supporting Families Through School Transitions: How Therapy Can Help

Changing schools. Starting kindergarten. Moving into middle school. These transitions can stir up excitement—but also anxiety, insecurity, and emotional overwhelm.

For children and teens, school transitions can affect friendships, routines, identity, and confidence. Parents may notice changes in sleep, mood, or school resistance.

Common signs a student is struggling with a school transition:

• Increased clinginess or separation anxiety

• Avoidance of schoolwork or school altogether

• Regressive behavior (bedwetting, tantrums, thumb-sucking)

• Trouble making or keeping friends

Therapy can support school transitions by:

• Helping kids process big feelings around change

• Teaching coping and self-regulation strategies

• Supporting parents with communication and structure at home

Therapy gives students a safe place to talk about what’s hard, and helps families build tools to navigate the transition smoothly.

If your school or practice works with families facing transition challenges, let’s connect. I’m here to support with short-term or ongoing care.

Free consultations available — contact me to learn more.