The back-to-school season can bring a lot of feelings—excitement, stress, nostalgia, or just a desire to get back into routine. For many parents, it’s a mix of emotions. One minute you’re missing your little ones, and the next you’re thrilled to finally drink your coffee while it’s hot. But what does this season feel like for your child?

Let’s talk about the physical and emotional signs of back-to-school stress that parents often miss—and more importantly, what you can do about it to help your whole family feel more balanced, regulated, and supported.

Signs Your Child May Be Struggling (Even if They’re “Fine”)

Some signs of stress don’t always look like stress. They might show up in the body—like holding in bowel movements, skipping lunch, or always catching colds. Here are three big ones to look for:

1. Digestive changes

Is your child avoiding the restroom at school? Are they having regular bowel movements when they come home instead? Gut health and stress are very connected. A healthy digestive system means your child is more regulated and rested.

2. After-school emotional outbursts

You pick them up, and BOOM—a full meltdown. Sound familiar? Kids work hard to hold it together all day. Home feels safe enough to let it all out. That emotional release is actually a clue their nervous system may be on overload.

3. Constant low-grade illness

If your child always seems “a little sick,” their immune system might be tapped out. Just like adults who crash after a big deadline, kids can get run down by routine stress and lack of rest—and their body will force them to slow down.

Stress Isn’t Just Mental—Here’s What to Look For

There are three main types of stress that impact your child’s health:

• Structural stress (how their body moves): Are they sitting too long? Getting enough play or movement?

• Functional stress (how their body works): Are their organs, digestion, and nervous system getting what they need?

• Emotional stress: Are they feeling safe to express emotions, getting enough rest, or holding everything inside?

Supporting all three is key to helping your child thrive this school year.

What You Can Do to Help Your Child Feel Regulated

Here are small but powerful ways to make this season smoother for the whole family:

✅ Add protein to every meal.

A protein-packed breakfast and lunch helps stabilize blood sugar, which means fewer mood swings and more focus. Snacks count too!

✅ Establish a simple routine.

A morning rhythm like: brush teeth, eat, grab your bag, deep breath together—sets the tone. A bedtime wind-down like: talk about your day, stretch, deep breath—helps the body relax.

✅ Encourage daily movement.

Try heel bounces, a short dance break, or a walk. Shaking off pent-up energy isn’t just fun—it’s healthy!

✅ Use the box breath.

Teach your kids this tool: inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Even 30 seconds can create calm before school or after an emotional day.

✅ Create a calm-down zone.

Have a space in your home where your child can go when they need quiet time. It could be a cozy corner with a few sensory tools or a calming playlist.

Back-to-School Doesn’t Have to Feel Chaotic

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s regulation. A little prep, a little protein, a little movement, and a lot of love goes a long way. Want a simple, printable routine you can try today?

👉 Download the Family Reset Guide 👈 and start building routines that calm the chaos and help your whole family feel better, faster.

You’ve got this, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.