How to Help Your Child Manage School Stress

Across the U.S., many children are saying they are stressed about school.

Nearly 75% of high schoolers and 50% of middle schoolers feel constantly stressed by schoolwork, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association.

And when kids are overwhelmed by school or struggle to keep up with assignments, it affects their mental health and their confidence, potentially leading to poor academic outcomes.

While helping a child learn to manage stress and care for their mental health is an important part of student success, sometimes one of the best things adults can do is teach them tools for managing school to help empower them, decrease that stress and feel control of their school day.

What are signs that my child is stressed and struggling in school?

School stress can show up in different ways. Watch for signs like:

• Avoiding school or homework
• Declining grades
• Trouble making friends at school
• Having frequent headaches or stomachaches
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability or having emotional outbursts

How can I help my child be more successful in school?

Many times, a child needs to be taught how to manage school expectations. You play an important role in helping your child build habits that support both learning and well-being.

Here are practical ways you can help:

1. Build routines. Consistent schedules for homework, meals and sleep reduce stress and improve focus.
   
   Encourage kids to do their homework at the same time every day. It can look different for each child. For example, finishing homework right after school may work for one child, but another child may need a break and a snack first!
   
   
2. Encourage organization. When kids feel organized, they often feel calmer and more prepared.
   
   
   • Elementary students may do best with one folder to keep all their work in one place.
   • Middle and high school students may need multiple folders or a binder with dividers for each subject.
   • As kids get older, they may also need support creating digital folders for each subject in school.
   • If possible, give them a consistent space at home where they can keep their school materials, so they don’t have to search for what they need or lose their assignments.
     
     
3. Teach time management. Planning ahead with assignments and deadlines can help keep track of assignments and decrease the last-minute stress of getting assignments done.
   
   
   • Elementary kids may benefit from a calendar on their wall.
   • Middle and high schoolers may benefit from using a planner or digital app that helps with tracking tasks and deadlines.

4. Support goal setting. Sometimes assignments can feel too big and children freeze because of the stress. Break work into smaller steps to make it feel more doable. Our download below can help you talk with kids about what their school goals are.

For example, if a child needs to read a 100-page book, they may feel it’s too hard and avoid it. But if you help them break it down to 10 pages a day for the next 10 days, that helps them take the first step forward.

Then, you can celebrate progress along the way!

5. Help your child build healthy study habits. Good study habits make learning easier and less frustrating.
   
   
   • Create a quiet, distraction- and screen-free space where they can study.
   • Encourage reviewing notes regularly and trying strategies that aren’t just reading, such as creating flashcards.
     
     
6. Consider breaks. Breaks can be an important part of learning. They help recharge and improve focus for some kids. Some children may need more frequent breaks than others. Some children may not need breaks at all!
   
   
   • For example, you could encourage a 5-minute break every 30 minutes or a 10-minute break every set of math problems completed.
   • Brainstorm activities with them that they find relaxing. It might be something active like playing outside or something more soothing like drawing or working on a craft.
     
     
7. Encourage your child to ask for help. Some kids try to do everything on their own. Then, they sit with their frustration for long periods of time, which only grows negative feelings and causes them to fall even more behind!
   
   
   • Talk with your child about which adults they feel comfortable getting support from.
   • Encourage them to ask questions as soon as they feel stuck.

When should I get extra support for my child?

If your child continues to feel overwhelmed and stressed for several weeks or is struggling across multiple classes, this may indicate concerns for a learning disability or a mental health disorder.

• If you are worried about their learning, speak to their teacher or school counselor. Working together as a team with the school is important for student success.
• If you have concerns about their mental health, for example anxiety or depression, seek support from a mental health professional.
• We also have resources that help children who may be experiencing bullying, difficulty making friends, or feeling like they don’t belong.

Your support makes a difference

Helping your child manage school stress doesn’t mean removing challenges. It means giving them the tools and support they need. When children have the tools to manage stress, stay organized and feel supported, they are more confident and capable learners.

If your child is struggling, start small! One routine, one new habit or one conversation can make a difference.

Student success isn’t just about doing well today. It’s about preparing your child for the future. And with your support, they can thrive both in school and in life.