The countdown to the new school term has officially begun. 

Uniforms are being bought, lunch boxes are being dusted off, and planners are starting to fill up. But while many parents are focusing on logistics, another quiet visitor often sneaks in this time of year: back-to-school anxiety. 

And if you’re the mum of a daughter, you might already be noticing the signs. 

What is Back-to-School Anxiety? 

Back-to-school anxiety is the emotional stress children may experience in the lead-up to the new school year. It’s more common than many realise, and for girls, who are often more emotionally expressive, it can show up in unexpected ways. 

Even confident, high-achieving children can experience anxious feelings about returning to school. 

Signs of Back-to-School Anxiety in Girls 

Some signs are easy to spot. Others are subtle. Here’s what you might notice:

● Sleep disruption – Trouble falling asleep or waking frequently during the night

● Tummy aches or headaches – Often without an obvious physical cause

● Changes in eating – Picky eating, reduced appetite, or comfort eating

● Avoiding school talk – “I don’t want to go,” or changing the subject 

● Mood changes – Snappy responses, withdrawal, or tearfulness 

These behaviours are often your daughter’s way of saying, “I’m worried.” But they’re not always recognised as anxiety, especially in the busyness of daily life. 

Why the School Transition Can Trigger Anxiety

Returning to school brings change. New teachers, new routines, different classmates, and for many children, that uncertainty can feel overwhelming. 

Girls in particular are more likely to internalise their worries. Instead of expressing them outright, they might bottle them up or show them through behaviour. 

If your daughter has experienced anxiety in the past (especially around school), these transitions can be especially triggering. 

How to Support Your Daughter Through Back-to-School Anxiety 

Helping your daughter doesn’t mean fixing everything or giving her endless pep talks. It means creating calm, safe moments where she can feel seen, heard, and empowered. It’s about supporting her through the fears she may have. 

Here are 5 practical things you can do right now: 

1. Validate her feelings 

Instead of saying “You’ll be fine,” try “It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous about school starting again.” 

2. Get routines in place early 

Shift bedtimes and wake-up times gradually over the next two weeks to help her body and brain adjust. 

3. Use books and stories 

Stories that reflect her experience can make her feel less alone and show her how other characters navigate big feelings. 

4. Create a confidence toolkit 

Use positive affirmations, visual calming strategies, and small items she can take to school to feel secure. 

5. Avoid information overload 

She doesn’t need to know everything about the first day. Just enough to feel safe and prepared. You Deserve Support Too, Mum

When your child is anxious, it can leave you feeling helpless. 

That’s exactly why I created the Happy Thoughts Squad – to make it easier for you to support your daughter’s emotional wellbeing, especially at times like this. 

If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve put together a free, practical guide that you can read in less than 10 minutes. 

Free Resource: Understanding Back-to-School Anxiety And How To Support Your Girl 

Inside, you’ll learn: 

● How to spot anxiety before it spirals 

● Simple strategies that actually work 

● What to say (and what to avoid) 

● How to build your daughter’s confidence from the inside out 

Download your free guide today and start the term with more calm and confidence. 

Raising strong, emotionally resilient girls doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You just need the right tools, and a bit of support.