Back To School Parent Child Walk Outside

Resource Guide

Easing the Transition: Practical Support for a Better School Year

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Resources and tools to help kids and families manage anxiety and build resilience skills during the back-to-school season.

By Spark Kindness Team

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Dear Spark Community,

As the back-to-school season begins, we know this transition can bring a range of emotions from excitement to anxiety with new opportunities and added stress while adjusting to shifting routines and expectations. You are not alone in navigating this journey, and we want you to know that Spark Kindness is here to walk alongside you—not just now, but throughout the year.

We've compiled resources below that we hope offer supportive encouragement for not just now, but throughout the year. We also invite you to join us for our Resilient Community Series, including free events where we can learn, share, and grow as a community. View upcoming event details here.

With care ~ The Spark Kindness Team

Resources for Back-to-School Transition

Featured Video: Building Resilience

Past Spark Presenter, Janine Halloran, offers supportive tips in: Coping Skills for Back to School Worries. (Available in Portuguese: Presentation (here) and Coping Skills Resource (here). Aqui está o powerpoint em portugues, Aqui está o Técnicas de Enfrentamento em português).

Recommended Resource Hubs

Practical checklists for creating daily routines, tips on coping with back-to-school jitters, fun after-school activity ideas, easy snack recipes and more from PBS Kids for Parents: Back to Scho ol.
Advice on handling school avoidance and coping with anxiety, resetting expectations for kids with learning challenges, and more from the Child Mind Institute .
Access tip sheets, guides, and recommended toolkits from the MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition to help your child(ren) thrive this school year. View in English (here), Spanish (here), and Portuguese (here).

Featured Video: Making New Friends

Author Caroline Maguire discusses strategies for building social skills in past Spark Kindness event: Why Will No One Hang Out With Me? Also check out the book: Why Will No One Play with Me?: The Play Better Plan to Help Children of All Ages Make Friends and Thrive

Helpful Books & Articles

Podcast Episode: Podcast: My Clingy Teen Hates Going to School. How Do I Help? from Ask Lisa
Article: Preparing for a New School Year When Last Year Didn't Go Well from The Kids Mental Health Foundation
Article: Supporting Your Child's Transition to Middle School from US News & World Report
Book: Middle School Matters: 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help by Phyllis Fagell
Book: The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents by Dr. Lisa Damour

Resilient Backpack: Highs & Lows

One simple way to build resilience and connection during the school year is by creating a family ritual of sharing highs and lows each day. Try it at dinner, during bedtime routines, or even in the car on the way to activities.

A “low” might be something that felt hard, disappointing, or frustrating. Sharing these moments helps kids learn that it’s normal to have challenges and that they don’t have to carry them alone. If your child isn’t ready to share, that’s okay—lows are always optional. What matters most is that the conversation ends with a “high” so the day is wrapped up on a positive note.

You can also add fun twists: include a “random” (something silly or surprising that happened) or an “excited” (what they’re looking forward to tomorrow). And instead of calling this "Highs & Lows", you could try something else that feels right for your family like "Roses & Thorns", "Best & Worst", or "Sweet & Sour". Over time, this simple ritual helps kids process their day, feel connected, name and accept emotions, and build optimism.