Cincinnati Students Face Back-to-School Anxiety; Experts Offer Coping Strategies
Students in Cincinnati are experiencing back-to-school nerves, and experts are offering advice to help children manage the transition. Dr. Arianna Gallagher of Ohio State's STAR Program suggests parents acknowledge concerns while focusing on positive aspects and developing "if-then" plans for…
Cincinnati, OH, August 26, 2026 —
As the new school year approaches, many students in Cincinnati are grappling with anxiety surrounding the transition back to classrooms. The shift from summer routines to academic schedules can be a source of stress for children, prompting experts to share guidance for managing these common back-to-school nerves.
Dr. Arianna Gallagher, affiliated with Ohio State’s STAR Program, highlighted the importance of validating students’ feelings. She advises parents to acknowledge their children’s concerns openly, rather than dismissing them. This approach can help children feel understood and supported as they navigate their worries.
In addition to acknowledging anxieties, Dr. Gallagher suggests focusing on the positive aspects of returning to school. This could include highlighting opportunities for social interaction with friends, engaging in favorite subjects, or participating in extracurricular activities. By shifting the focus towards potential joys and benefits, parents can help reframe the back-to-school experience in a more optimistic light.
Furthermore, Dr. Gallagher recommends the development of “if-then” plans to equip students with strategies for managing specific stressful situations. These plans involve identifying potential challenges students might encounter, such as feeling overwhelmed during a test or difficulty making friends, and creating a predetermined course of action for each scenario. For example, an “if-then” plan might state, “If I feel anxious during math class, then I will take three deep breaths and focus on the teacher’s instructions.” Such proactive planning can empower students with a sense of control and reduce the likelihood of feeling paralyzed by anxiety.
The advice from experts like Dr. Gallagher aims to provide parents and students with practical tools to ease the transition into the school year, fostering a more positive and less stressful return to education for Cincinnati’s students.
Story summarized from the original created by Kristen Skovira on www.wcpo.com, see more information here.