September 2026
Back to School Season and Family-Focused Workshops
Helping Students Handle Back-to-School Anxiety
Back-to-school season is exciting but also stressful. Parents are managing changing schedules and school supplies shopping. Teachers and school staff are getting classrooms ready and meeting students. The kids are facing a new grade with new expectations and having their schedules shifted again. Even kids who are easygoing can experience increased anxious feelings around this time.
For most youth, these worries will fade. Help students handle stress with these tips.
Check In on Yourself
This time of year is stressful for adults too. Make sure you are not passing on stress to your kids. Don’t take on more commitments than your family can comfortably handle.
Practice mindfulness techniques, like belly breathing. Put one hand on your stomach and one hand on your chest. Slowly breathe in from your stomach to expand it like a balloon, and slowly breathe out to deflate it.
Pay attention to what causes your stress and set boundaries. If the news is increasing your anxiety, limit how much you read or watch. If looking at your monthly schedule is overwhelming, limit your view to a week or check it only in the morning.
Listen to Your Child’s Worries
If your child is stressed about school, listen like a friend but respond like a parent.
Validate their feelings. Don’t dismiss their fears with, “There’s nothing to be worried about!” Listen to them and acknowledge their feelings. That will help them feel more secure. Instead, try “I know that’s hard.” Kids often just want to talk about what’s upsetting them without expecting you to fix their problems.
Don’t ask questions that make your kids feel like they should be anxious. That could look like, “Are you worried about taking Biology this year?” Check in with your kids in a more casual way. It can be a five-minute conversation in the car. “Do you know what you’ll be learning in science?” Kids say more when there is less pressure.
Help Younger Children with Separation
Elementary-age students can have a harder time leaving their parents for school.
Set up a hand-off. Talk with your child’s teacher, aides, or school staff. Have them ready to meet your child when you arrive and engage them in an activity. The designated person can ask them to help with a task. Don’t talk about their anxiety. Parents should keep drop-offs brief and positive. That tells the child everything is okay. Most kids recover quickly once the parent leaves.
Praise brave behavior. Give positive attention and encouragement, without worrying about their minor complaints about going to school. Try, “Great job coming to Kindergarten today. When I pick you up, I hope you’ll tell me something fun you did.”
Supporting Teens
Middle and high school students have different fears. Their stress can come from social judgment, navigating complex social circles, and managing increased workloads.
Practice conversations. Practice simple, low-pressure opening phrases to help your teen initiate conversations with classmates. You can also help them practice asking a teacher for help with an assignment, instead of emailing the teacher yourself. Teach them how to seek help.
Navigate social media. Put a digital curfew in place or reduce screen time during this transition period. It will limit the risk of comparison traps and cyberbullying.
Let go of the schedule. Give your teen ownership of planning their morning routine, choosing their school supplies, and setting their own wake-up alarms. This helps develop their independence and responsibility.
Create a decompression zone. Give them a quiet space to decompress for at least 30 minutes after they get home from school before bringing up chores or homework.
When to Get Help
If anxiety continues for several weeks, gets stronger, or causes physical symptoms like stomachaches, it might be time to get help.
School refusal is real. It is when an extreme pattern of avoiding school causes real problems, such as headaches. If a student’s resistance to school is overwhelming and prolonged, they should be connected to a behavioral health professional. Check with your district for a School Navigator.
Investigate why a child doesn’t want to go to school. Sometimes other things could be going on. A child being bullied might be afraid to go to school. A child with separation anxiety might be afraid about something happening to their mom. A child with an undiagnosed learning disorder might be avoiding embarrassment. These issues will need to be addressed to help the child feel safe at school.
You can also call 211 for local resources or visit allen211.org.
There Is Help, There Is Hope
Support Is Available 24/7
If you or someone in your family needs help, there are resources available.
The HOPEline is available 24/7 for local support. Call 1-800-567-4673 (HOPE) to connect with help in Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties. They'll connect you with a trained local professional for immediate support.
Save the HOPEline number in your phone even if you don't need it right now. That way, it'll be there for you and your child if you are ever in crisis. Help is just a phone call away.
You can also call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to reach a crisis counselor.
Upcoming Events
Mission of Hope Workshops
Connected & Courageous Workshop: Support for Children Who Have Experienced the Effects of a Parents Substance Use
Thursdays, September 24 - October 29, 2026
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Mission of Hope, 2963 Blue Jack Court, Lima
Connected & Courageous is a FREE six-week workshop for children in grades 2–6 and a trusted adult. The group will use fun and interactive activities to help children express emotions in healthy ways, manage stress, build resilience, improve communication, and understand they are not alone.
Each child must attend with a trusted adult such as a relative, family friend, or CASA volunteer. Register at Missionofhopeservices.org.
Courageous Parenting & Kids Workshop: Battling Big Emotions
Kids Meet: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Parents/caregivers Meet: 10:15–11:00 a.m.
Mission of Hope, 2963 Blue Jack Court, Lima
Workshop Options:
September 26, 2026
November 1, 2026
January 30, 2027
March 20, 2027
Big emotions can be hard for kids and for the adults helping them through those moments. The Battling Big Emotions workshop gives K–4th graders tools to identify their emotions, communicate their needs, and build coping skills. Parents and caregivers will also learn healthy communication techniques and practical ways to de-escalate challenging situations.
Register at Missionofhopeservices.org.
Mission of Hope has even more upcoming workshops!
Healthy Leader Workshop & Lunch: Loneliness of Leadership - Wednesday, October 7th, 2026
Courageous Parenting & Kids Workshop: Navigating Divorce - Saturday, October 17th, 2026 | Saturday, February 20, 2027
Cut-Off Culture: The Enemy Within the Family - Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026
Learn more about each workshop and register at Missionofhopeservices.org.
We Care Conversations
This is the perfect time to watch a recent episode of the MHRSB podcast, We Care Conversations. Cody and Elisa sat down with Bath Schools' social worker and counselor, along with Executive Director Tammie Colon!
Learn about the mental health challenges students face, the warning signs parents should watch for, and the resources available to families. Packed with practical advice on how parents can get involved and support their children, this conversation offers guidance and hope for raising mentally healthy kids.
Watch Episode 11 on YouTube here. You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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