Some nervousness is expected during a transition. Look at the intensity, duration, and impact of the behavior—not one difficult morning or a single bad day.
Common Adjustment Reactions
- First-day jitters or questions about a new teacher
- Mild worry about friendships, classes, or transportation
- Temporary difficulty falling asleep
- Wanting extra reassurance from a parent or caregiver
- Brief irritability or tiredness while routines are changing
- Symptoms that gradually improve as the child becomes familiar with school
Signs That Additional Support May Be Helpful
- Persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, or frequent emotional outbursts
- Repeated school refusal or physical complaints that regularly appear before school
- Withdrawal from friends, family, activities, or previously enjoyed interests
- Major changes in sleep, appetite, personal care, or energy
- A noticeable decline in attendance, grades, concentration, or classroom participation
- Panic attacks, intense fear, hopelessness, self-harm, or statements about wanting to die
- Any change that is severe, worsening, or interfering with everyday life
- Parents and caregivers do not need to wait for a concern to become a crisis. Your child’s pediatrician, school counselor, therapist, or another behavioral health professional can help you think through what you are noticing and what to do next.
Immediate Safety Concern
If a child may harm themselves or someone else, call 911, call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency department.