Supporting Your Child Through End-of-Year Transitions and Academic Anxiety

As the school year comes to an end down, many children experience a mixture of emotions—relief, excitement, and, for some, anxiety and behavioral changes. End-of-year transitions bring a host of changes, from exams and final projects to saying goodbye to teachers, friends, and schools they have spent years growing, developing and forming relationships. As a clinician, I’ve worked with many families navigating these challenges, and I would like to provide insights and strategies to help your child feel supported during these times.

For many students, the end of the school year means increased academic pressure, increased stress and being overwhelmed, academic and/or social burnout, and procrastination.

Tests, projects, essays, and final wrap ups can trigger feelings of self-doubt, fear of failure, and parent/ guardian disappointment. Some common signs of academic anxiety and end of year transitions include:

• Difficulty sleeping and/or frequent nightmares

• Irritability, emotional outbursts and/or behavioral changes

• Complaints of headaches and/or stomachaches

• Procrastination and/or excessive perfectionism

• Negative self-talk and/or feelings of hopelessness

Additionally, the transition to summer break can feel unsettling for children who thrive on structure, routine, and predictability. The lack of daily routines, predictable interactions and schedules can contribute to increased worry, emotional outburst, isolation, disruption in sleep patterns, and disruption in daily functioning.

How Parents Can Help

1. Validate Their Feelings

Let your child know that it’s normal to feel nervous about academic pressures as well as feeling sad, anxious, or disappointed about the school year ending. Acknowledge their feelings without immediately jumping problem solving mode. Being a support and advocate of their needs, will improve and strengthen your relationship with your child. Statements like, “I can see you’re feeling worried about everything you need to complete by the end of the year. That makes sense—it’s a big task, try your best and I am proud you”. “I can see your having big feelings about moving to the next grade/school. How can I help you to remember the growth you’ve made”? Statements like these can help children feel heard, validated, seen, and understood.

2. Create a Plan That Works for Them

Help your child break down tasks into manageable chunks and creating systems with rewards.

Placing high expectations on your child can create anxiety and difficulty sleeping which impacts their ability to function and manage emotional regulation the next day.

3. Practice Mindfulness Techniques

Practice simple relaxation strategies with your child such as:

• Deep breathing (inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, rest for your,

  repeat)

• Progressive muscle relaxation (tensing and relaxing different muscle groups for 10

  seconds)

• Positive affirmations (“I can do this.” “I will do my best” “I am enough” “I am smart”)

• Visualization (picturing themselves completing school with pride, excitement, and

  enthusiasm)

4. Maintain a Balanced Routine

Encourage good sleep habits, nutritious meals, and regular movement. Minimize electronics 45 minutes before bed. Sleep deprivation and poor nutrition can amplify anxiety, making it harder for kids to focus and regulate emotions.

5. Reframe the Meaning of Academic Anxiety

Remind your child that academic anxiety does not measure their worth, they are smart, kind, and can achieve anything they wish. Reinforce that mistakes and challenges are part of learning, and it is expected they make mistakes.

6. Support the Transition to Summer

Help your child anticipate and plan for summer by:

• Talking about upcoming activities they can look forward to

• Create a calendar of events, activities, and outings

• Talk about a plan to minimize technology addiction

• Keeping some structure with a loose daily schedule

• Maintain regular sleep schedules especially for teenagers

• Scheduling time to connect with friends

• Encouraging reflection on the past school year’s growth and accomplishments

When to Seek Additional Support

If your child’s anxiety seems overwhelming—leading to panic attacks, school refusal, change in behaviors, and/or extreme distress—it may be time to seek professional support. A therapist can help them develop coping strategies and build resilience.

Final Thoughts

End-of-year transitions and academic anxiety can be difficult, but with understanding and proactive support, parents can help children navigate these changes with confidence and empowerment. By validating their feelings, fostering healthy habits, and reinforcing a growth mindset, you can empower your child to finish the school year with pride and step into summer with ease.

If your child is struggling with anxiety, consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can provide additional guidance. Every child deserves to feel supported, capable, and resilient—even during life’s transitions.

“Smile, breathe, and go slowly.” –Thich Nhat Hanh