As the new school year begins, it isn’t just children who are feeling nervous. A UK-wide survey has found that the majority of parents are experiencing heightened stress and anxiety as they prepare to send their children back to the classroom.
The poll of more than 3,500 parents, carried out by family budgeting service Park Christmas Savings, revealed that 86 per cent feel anxious about the return to school, citing financial pressures and emotional strain as the biggest challenges. Rising costs for uniforms, technology, travel and school lunches were the most common concerns, with more than half of parents admitting they have struggled to cover the expense of school uniforms. A further 15 per cent said the cost of lunches is causing additional strain.
Beyond finances, parents are also feeling the emotional weight of the September return. Over half admitted they experience “school gate separation anxiety” when saying goodbye after the holidays, while a quarter worry their child will not adjust to a new class or school. The same proportion fear their child could face bullying.
Social media is another major source of worry, with two-thirds of parents expressing concern that children are “growing up too fast” in the digital age.
Family psychologist and children’s author Dr Pam Spurr said the findings highlight the pressures facing families at this time of year:
“While this is often an exciting time for children, the return to school after the summer holidays is also a major time of change for many parents too. Parents feel tremendously overwhelmed,” she said.
She added that parents often place themselves under huge pressure to meet expectations, from lengthy school supply lists to the fear of children struggling socially or academically. “Children of all ages frequently struggle with change and parents cannot help but want to protect them from the potential stressors they now face – smartphones, social media, academic pressure and bullying,” she said.
Dr Spurr advised parents to acknowledge their own emotions and focus on family well-being. “Those goodbye tears at the school gates or sleepless nights are totally normal. I encourage parents to be as kind to themselves as they are with their child. Plan some fun things at the weekend to look forward to and reconnect after school by talking about the highlights of the day as well as any difficulties.”
She also recommends families adopt healthier routines at the start of term, with enough sleep, good food, and time together. “Family mental health is a team effort,” she said.
