Hey There… Did You Know...
September 2026
Kids and their families are preparing for the return to school and this is a transition that brings excitement and anticipation, but also natural apprehension and stress. School readiness isn't just about backpacks and supplies; it's also about mental health. Research shows a link between students' mental health and their academic success. Nearly 75% of high schoolers and 50% of middle schoolers report feeling constantly stressed by schoolwork, making this a critical time to check in on the well-being of young people.
Things to look out for
Avoiding school or homework, or outright refusal to attend
Declining grades or trouble keeping up with assignments
Trouble making friends or feeling like they don't belong at school
Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or nausea (especially if medical causes have been ruled out, these can be physical manifestations of anxiety)
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Irritability or emotional outbursts
A positive reminder
The good news is that most children adjust to the new school year within a few weeks, and with the right support from the adults around them, they can thrive.
Ways to support
Open communication at home: Caregivers can acknowledge their child's fears, validate their feelings, and reassure them that anxiety about school changes is normal.
Organization and time management: A simple folder for younger children, binders or digital folders for older students, a wall calendar, or a planner can dramatically reduce school-related stress. Breaking big tasks into small steps (like 10 pages of reading a day) keeps kids from freezing up.
Avoidance makes anxiety worse: While it's tempting to let an anxious child stay home, gently facing fears (with problem-solving and practice) builds resilience.
Social connection: Playdates, extracurricular activities, and daily check-ins about their day all strengthen a child's sense of school belonging, which is linked to better academic performance, increased confidence, and lower rates of anxiety, depression, and risky behaviors.
Connect with the school team: Encourage caregivers to partner with teachers and school counselors early, and to seek a mental health professional if stress persists or worsens.
Normalize asking for help: Remind families that a child learning to ask questions when stuck is building a lifelong skill, not showing weakness.
Starting small is enough: one routine, one new habit, or one honest conversation can make a real difference in a child's year. With the support of caring adults, people can face the challenges of a new school year with confidence and resilience. Thank you for all you do to help the families thrive, both in school and in life.
Helpful resources
Findhelp, has resources for food pantries and meal programs right here in Maine. You can also find information on housing, financial assistance, healthcare, and more at www.findhelp.org.
National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
Volunteer Maine, Volunteer Maine, the state service commission, builds capacity and sustainability in Maine's volunteer and service communities by funding programs, developing managers of volunteers, raising awareness of sector issues, and promoting service as a strategy.
Helping Children Successfully Transition Back to School, Tips and resources for helping kids transition back to school.
Back to School Backpack for Administrators, Everything you need to start the year strong, organized by the Maine DOE offices and teams that support schools across Maine. Search for a topic or browse by category.
Back to School Resources, The Maine Chapter, AAP is a growing membership organization of 300 pediatricians and subspecialists who are dedicated to fulfilling the Chapter’s mission: to improve the lives of children and adolescents in Maine.
Help Kids Cope, This mobile app helps parents talk to their kids about the disasters they may face and know how best to support them throughout—whether sheltering-in-place at home, evacuating to a designated shelter, or helping your family heal after reuniting. This app is also a great resource for teachers and other professionals involved in children's lives. Available in both iOS and Android.
Community Calendar, Maine Public's Community Calendar: Virtual and in-person events across the state of Maine.