Month: September 2026

Starting school for the first time, or going back after a long break, can feel like a lot. For children, it might bring a mix of excitement, nerves, fear, or sadness. They may be adjusting to new routines, new teachers and classmates, and the pressures that come with learning and social life.

For parents, it can be equally emotional. You might feel anxious about how your child will cope, or even guilty if they had a difficult time during the pandemic, such as illness, loss, isolation, or financial stress. If any of this feels familiar, please know you’re not alone.

Below are a few simple, warm ways you can support your child’s transition while also caring for yourself.

 1) Talk about feelings, early

One of the best things you can do is start talking about school before it begins. Try asking open questions, such as:

– How do you feel about starting school or going back?

– What are you most looking forward to?

– What might be different this time?

– How can I help?

When your child shares, listen properly and reflect what you hear. For example:

– “I can see you’re feeling nervous.”

– “It makes sense that you feel a bit worried.”

– “You’re allowed to have mixed feelings.”

Try to avoid dismissing their feelings, even when you’re trying to reassure them. Phrases like “Don’t be silly” or “You’ll be fine” can sometimes leave children feeling unheard. Instead, aim for empathy first, reassurance second.

2) Help them manage worries

If your child tells you they’re worried, take it seriously and help them make sense of it. You can try:

– Exploring the worry: “What makes you feel worried?” “When does it show up most?” “What does it make you feel like doing?”

– Challenging unhelpful thoughts gently: “Is that worry definitely true?” “What evidence is there?” “What else could be true?”

– Practising coping tools: deep breathing, mindfulness, relaxing muscle exercises, or simple “worry time” routines. The key is to practise when things are calm, so they’re easier to use when anxiety rises.

And don’t forget to celebrate small wins. Even coping with a first-day routine, settling in after lunch, or making one new friend is progress.

3) Remember: you’re supporting two people

Going back to school is a big shift for children, but it can be a big shift for parents too. Give yourself permission to find it tricky. Your child’s adjustment can take time, and it often looks different from one day to the next.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or your child’s anxiety feels persistent, it can really help to have extra support.

Support available

If you’re finding the transition difficult and would like support through counselling, you can contact me by email or call 07941 518808. I offer a safe space to talk through what’s going on, and we can explore practical strategies to help you and your child feel more settled and confident.

If you’re thinking about counselling, you’re already doing something brave. It can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to wonder: “How do I know I’ve found the right person for me?”

Here are a few simple, reassuring things to consider as you search.

 Know what you’re looking for.

Before you contact anyone, it can help to pause and get clear on what support you need right now.

– Are you looking for help with anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, or something else?

– Would you prefer a structured, goal-focused approach, or something more open and exploratory?

Check qualifications and registration.

In the UK, you’ll often feel safer choosing someone who is both highly qualified and registered with a professional body such as BACP or UKCP. Registration is a helpful marker that they work to ethical standards and have received proper training.

It’s also worth checking whether they have relevant experience in the type of concerns you’re bringing.

Consider practicalities.

The practical side matters more than people think because consistency can make therapy feel easier to stick with.

– Do you want in-person sessions or online therapy?

– Does their location work for you?

– Is the cost manageable, and do they offer any reduced rates?

– Do they have appointment times that fit your life?

Trust the connection.

Therapy is more than a service you book. It’s a safe, human relationship, and that relationship should feel supportive from the start.

In your first sessions, pay attention to:

– Emotional safety: Do you feel able to share without fear of judgment?

– Attentiveness: Do they listen properly and respond thoughtfully?

– Warmth and empathy: Do you feel genuinely cared for?

– Communication style: Does the way they explain things feel clear and relatable?

You should feel like an active participant, not just someone being talked at. And if you leave sessions feeling even slightly lighter, more understood, or more hopeful, that’s a good sign.

Give yourself permission to change.

It’s understandable to want to “stick it out” and see how it goes. But your needs matter most.

If something feels off, it’s okay to explore other options. You might not feel heard, the approach might not fit, or progress might feel slow. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you.

– You’re not failing if you change.

– Your needs can evolve.

– Fit matters: sometimes it’s simply about style, personality, or approach, and that’s okay.

A gentle closing thought.

Choosing a counsellor is about finding a place where your voice matters, your feelings are taken seriously, and your growth is supported. You don’t need everything worked out before you begin. A good counsellor will meet you where you are and help you notice the small steps that add up.

If you’d like to take the next step, I offer a free 30-minute online discovery meeting, so we can talk through what you’re looking for and see if we’re a good fit. Drop me an email to get started!