Managing Anxiety as the School Year Ends: Tips for Students and Parents

As the school year winds down, families often feel a mix of relief and stress. For many students, final exams, project deadlines and upcoming transitions can create real anxiety. Parents feel it too, juggling the end-of-year rush while trying to support their children emotionally. Managing anxiety during this time is important for both students and parents to stay grounded and mentally well.

Managing Anxiety at Home and at School

When routines shift and pressures build, children and teens might struggle to manage big emotions. Parents often notice changes like irritability, trouble sleeping or withdrawal. These can be signs of anxiety, and it’s important to respond with calm, support and structure.

Here are some practical tips to help both students and parents manage anxiety as the school year comes to a close:

1. Keep a Predictable Routine

Even with school winding down, sticking to a regular routine helps create a sense of control. Encourage consistent sleep, meals and study times. Predictability gives both kids and parents a calmer mental space to handle the changes ahead.

2. Break Big Tasks Into Small Steps

Final exams, papers and presentations feel overwhelming when viewed all at once. Help your child break big assignments into smaller, manageable steps. Use a calendar or planner to organize what’s due and when. Celebrate progress, not just results.

3. Talk About Feelings Openly

Give your child space to share what they’re feeling without judgment. Use simple, open-ended questions like, “What’s been the hardest part of your day?” or “Is anything making you feel worried right now?” Knowing they can talk to you can ease their anxiety and help them feel less alone.

4. Practice Calm Breathing Together

Teach your child a simple breathing exercise: inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four. Do it together. Breathing deeply sends signals to the brain that it’s safe, helping the body relax and focus.

5. Prepare for the Summer Schedule

Sudden changes, like going from a packed school schedule to a loose summer one, can increase anxiety. Talk about what summer will look like. Include your child in planning a basic routine, even if it’s simple. Knowing what to expect reduces stress for both kids and adults.

6. Take Breaks From School Stress

It’s easy to forget, but breaks help the brain process and recharge. Encourage your child to spend time outdoors, read for fun or do something creative. You need this too. Give yourself permission to rest, even during a busy season.

7. Set Realistic Expectations

Perfection is never the goal. Remind your child, and yourself, that effort matters more than outcomes. Some days will go smoothly, others won’t, and that’s okay. Offer reassurance and model grace when things don’t go as planned.

Supporting Each Other Through the Finish Line

Managing anxiety during the end of the school year is not just about surviving exams or holding everything together. It is about staying connected, supported and steady. As a parent, your presence matters more than your perfection. By taking care of your own emotional health and supporting your child with small, intentional steps, you create an environment where both of you can thrive.

If anxiety feels like too much for your family to handle alone, you do not have to go through it on your own. Coastline Psychiatric Liaisons offers compassionate, expert psychiatric care for both adults and children. We are here to help your family navigate challenges and build lasting mental wellness.

Ready for support that meets you where you are? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

FAQs

1. Why is my child more anxious as the school year ends?

As the school year comes to a close, many children experience a mix of emotions. They might feel the pressure of final grades, the sadness of saying goodbye to classmates or worry about what the summer or next school year will bring. The sudden loss of structure can leave some children feeling ungrounded, even if they’ve been looking forward to the break. You can ease this anxiety by helping your child maintain a simple routine, checking in with open-ended questions like “What’s been feeling hard lately?” and listening without trying to immediately solve the problem. Reassuring them that it’s okay to have mixed emotions during times of change can go a long way.

2. How can I support my child during final exams without adding pressure?

Final exams are often stressful for students, and even well-meaning encouragement from parents can unintentionally add more pressure. Many children are already placing high expectations on themselves and need calm, steady support. You can help by encouraging your child to break down their studying into manageable blocks of time, take regular breaks and get enough sleep and nourishment. Try to focus less on grades and more on effort. Let your child know you’re proud of how hard they’re working, and remind them that their well-being matters more than a perfect result.

3. How can I ease my child’s transition from school to summer break?

The shift from a structured school routine to a more relaxed summer schedule can create anxiety for some children. Without the predictable rhythm of the school day, they might feel uncertain, unmotivated or even lonely. You can help your child adjust by talking with them about what the summer will look like and working together to create a loose routine. This can include rest, outdoor time, simple responsibilities and moments of connection with family or friends. Involving your child in the planning process helps them feel more in control and reduces the discomfort that often comes with sudden change.