# Student stress and guidance during school transitions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/student-stress-during-school-transitions
> Updated: 2026-09-07T07:47:59.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

Discussions regarding student stress during the start of the school year have focused on both the psychological causes of exhaustion and practical management strategies.

Researchers have identified that the first week of school can lead to significant emotional exhaustion. This often manifests as irritability or outbursts at home, as children expend immense energy maintaining self-control in new social environments. Researcher Sonia Lupien notes that stress is often triggered by factors summarized by the acronym CINÉ: lack of Control, Unpredictability, Novelty, and a threat to the Ego. Psychologist Cindy Felio observes that children who appear ‘very well-adapted’ at school may experience an emotional collapse in the safety of their homes.

To combat these issues, education expert Ulrike Lichtinger suggests that parents avoid increasing pressure through criticism or comparisons, instead building self-confidence through ‘islands of success’. 

Building on these management strategies, mental health professionals from the Liga za duševné zdravie advise parents to monitor for physical and behavioral signs of stress, such as sleep disturbances, loss of interest, or stomach aches. Specialist Stanislava Knut suggests replacing general inquiries like ‘how was it?’ with specific questions about what amused or angered the child to better gauge their emotional state.

Parallel guidance has been offered for youth leadership transitions. New scout leaders are encouraged to prioritize group bonding and gradual integration over strict instruction, using rituals and activities to create a welcoming environment rather than a formal classroom setting.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-07: School year start: Guidance for student stress and youth leadership

With the school year starting, experts advise parents on monitoring student stress and mental health, while youth leaders are encouraged to focus on social bonding and gradual integration.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/school-year-start-guidance-for-student-stress-and-youth-leadership

### 2026-09-05: Childhood stress and emotional exhaustion during the first week of school

Children often experience emotional outbursts after the first week of school due to the intense mental effort required to adapt to new routines, social pressures, and the need for constant self-control.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/childhood-stress-and-emotional-exhaustion-during-the-first-week-of-school

### 2026-08-09: Education expert offers strategies to combat school stress

Education expert Ulrike Lichtinger suggests parents use small, manageable steps and positive reinforcement to help students overcome stress and build motivation at the start of the new school year.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/summer-reading-trends-and-school-transition-advice

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Cite as: Student stress and guidance during school transitions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/student-stress-during-school-transitions