Helping Your Child Through School Transitions

Whether it’s moving up to secondary school or stepping into sixth form or college, these changes bring a mix of excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty - not just for teens, but for their families too. In this week’s session, we talked to Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Sarah-Jane Knight, about supporting teenagers through school transitions. 

Understanding the Emotional Landscape of Transition

School transitions mark important milestones in a young person’s life. They’re leaving behind the comfort of familiar teachers, routines, and friendships, and stepping into new social and academic territory. It’s completely normal for teenagers to feel torn between sadness about what they’re leaving and anticipation about what’s to come.

Dr. Knight emphasised the importance of acknowledging these emotions. Rather than brushing off concerns or trying to ‘fix’ them immediately, we should validate our teens’ feelings and help them see that anxiety and nervousness are common parts of change.

Practical Strategies for Supporting Teenagers

Dr. Knight shared some key strategies for helping ease school transitions:

1. Acknowledge Their Feelings

Let your teenager know that it’s okay to feel nervous, sad, or even a bit overwhelmed. Open conversations - without pressure - can go a long way in helping them process these emotions.

2. Offer Reassurance, Gently

Instead of dismissing their concerns, normalise them. For example, it’s very common to worry about getting lost in a new school or struggling to make friends. Reassure them that they’re not alone, and that even teachers expect this adjustment period.

3. Encourage Independence

Support your teen in finding their own solutions. Talk through strategies for meeting new people, handling tricky social situations, or managing academic pressures - without jumping in to solve everything.

4. Ease Back into Routines

Holidays are a time to unwind, but some structure helps prepare teens for the return to school. Begin reintroducing regular bedtimes, screen limits, and morning routines a week or two before term starts.

5. Make Space for Open Communication

Be present and available, even if your teen doesn’t always want to talk. Sometimes, just knowing you’re there to listen can be enough.

6. Balance Freedom and Safety

Gradually increase their independence while keeping clear, realistic boundaries in place. Consequences should make sense and be directly related to their choices, helping them learn through experience.

7. Promote Healthy Peer Relationships

Use role-play or conversation to help them think through social challenges, like peer pressure or conflict. Give them tools to respond confidently and calmly.

8. Set Tech Boundaries

Create a family policy for phone and social media use. A shared understanding helps reduce conflict and keeps screen time in check, especially during term time.

Confidence in Your Parenting

Dr. Knight also reminded parents to trust their instincts. With constant input from social media, friends, and family, it’s easy to feel unsure. But you know your child best. Stay confident in your decisions - even when your teenager doesn’t always agree.

Looking Ahead

Supporting teenagers through school transitions isn’t about having all the answers - it’s about offering consistent, calm support while they find their footing. With a little structure, a lot of listening, and a good dose of patience, you can help your teen start the school year with confidence.

As we enjoy the slower pace of summer, it’s a great time to reflect, reconnect, and begin easing back into routines. For more expert guidance, check out our hub of on-demand mental health sessions, available all summer long.