Back to School: Helping Kids Feel Seen, Safe & Supported in School Transitions

The back-to-school season can trigger anxiety, frustration, and emotional dysregulation in kids—especially those already facing mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, ADHD, or trauma. In this episode, therapist and mom of four Jean Crane joins host Jared Jones to unpack what’s really going on beneath the surface for our kids and what parents can do to support them.

From understanding common struggles to offering calming strategies and connection tools, this episode is packed with empathy and actionable insights for families navigating this big seasonal shift.

👥 Featured Guest:

Jean Crane, MA, LMHC – Therapist at Care to Change
Hosted by: Jared Jones, Therapist & Podcast Host at Care to Change

🗓️ Series Context:

This is part 2 of our August Back-to-School Series, focused on supporting emotional and practical transitions for families.

🗣️ Topics Covered:

• Why the back-to-school season is hard on both kids and caregivers
• How to manage caregiver anxiety during this transition
• Common emotional struggles: separation anxiety, performance anxiety, and social anxiety
• How technology has shaped social development in kids
• Reading the nonverbal signs when kids won’t talk
• Co-regulation and how calm parents help calm kids
• Strategies for emotional regulation and brain-based calming tools
• How to create opportunities for connection (even with teens!)
• Why movement and body awareness matter more than ever

✅ Practical Tools & Takeaways:

1. Normalize the Transition: Expect emotional bumps and build grace into your routines.
2. Pay Attention to Changes: Watch for shifts in mood, behavior, or energy as signals for deeper emotions.
3. Active Listening > Fixing: Validate what your kids feel before trying to solve problems.
4. Teach Regulation Skills: Breathing techniques, body awareness, and calming tools go a long way.
5. Get Moving: Physical activity improves focus, reduces anxiety, and resets emotional regulation.
6. Partner with Schools: Use school resources to support your child’s needs (IEPs, quiet spaces, counselors).

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
• The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis
• Gottman Card Decks (for conversation starters and emotional literacy)

💬 Quote of the Episode:

“You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be present. And every small moment of connection matters.”

🎧 Listen If:

• Your child is struggling to adjust to school routines
• You're seeing signs of anxiety or emotional overwhelm
• You're a caregiver who feels stretched too thin this season
• You want tools to stay calm and build resilience as a family

🎙️ Need support? Our counselors at Care to Change are here to walk alongside you. Schedule a session or check out our resource library at caretochange.org