Back-to-school transition: Psychological guidance for students and parents

As the new school year begins, experts are highlighting the psychological challenges children and families face during the transition. Key themes include managing separation anxiety, adjusting routines, and avoiding excessive pressure on academic performance.

Psychologists suggest a gradual approach to resetting sleep schedules and daily routines to help children adapt to new rhythms. For younger children, establishing consistent goodbye rituals and validating their emotions can mitigate separation anxiety. Experts warn against treating the transition as a race for performance, emphasizing that school is also a space for social growth and personal discovery.

In Italy, ANCI Emilia-Romagna and the Order of Psychologists have signed a memorandum to integrate psychological expertise into local municipal policies, focusing on school environments and community wellbeing. Meanwhile, educators and specialists emphasize that a child's lack of tears does not necessarily indicate a smooth adaptation, and that parents should provide stability rather than imposing immediate perfection.