The start of a new school year brings anticipation, change, and sometimes stress for children and families alike. For kids ages 5–8, returning to school represents a significant developmental shift. They are entering classrooms where expectations increase, friendships become more complex, and self-regulation is still developing.
Parents often notice that their child seems moody, tired, or clingy in the first few weeks of school. These behaviors are common and reflect the natural adjustment process.
Emotional Adjustments
Children in early elementary years’ experience a wide range of emotions as they settle into new routines and environments.
Common feelings: worry, excitement, sadness, pride, irritability.
What may be observed: morning tears at drop-off, bedtime struggles, or bursts of pride when sharing something learned.
Parent tip: Offer feelings-based words and normalize their feelings. Visuals such as an emotions colorwheel can be helpful.
Social Shifts
Friendships take on greater importance in this stage, and navigating peer dynamics can feel overwhelming at first for young children.
Common feelings: joy, nervousness, jealousy, rejection, loneliness.
What may be observed: worries about being left out or a sense of pride after successfully joining a group activity.
Parent tip: Role-play simple scripts such as, “Can I play too?” or “That hurt my feelings.” Practicing these interactions builds confidence for real-life situations.
Cognitive and Attention Demands
School requires children to sustain attention, follow directions, and shift between subjects throughout the day. These skills are still developing in early elementary years and can leave their brains feeling a little tired.
Common feelings: frustration, overwhelm, accomplishment, boredom, fatigue.
What may be observed: after-school meltdowns, comments like “It’s too hard,” or sudden pride when finishing a challenge.
Parent tip: Allow decompression time after school before asking about the day or starting homework. Play, rest, or a snack often helps restore balance.
Physical and Routine Changes
Shifting from summer’s flexibility to the structured school schedule is physically demanding.
Common feelings: tiredness, restlessness, irritability, calm (as routines settle).
What may be observed: yawns at breakfast, end-of-day tears “for no reason,” or bedtime resistance.
Parent tip: Aim for 9–11 hours of sleep, maintain consistent morning and evening routines, and provide healthy meals and snacks to stabilize energy.
Supporting the Adjustment
Most children need 4–6 weeks to fully adjust to the school year. During this period, they benefit from:
Consistency: predictable routines reduce stress.
Connection: intentional quality time, whether during dinner, walks, or bedtime.
Coping tools: breathing techniques, drawing, or comfort objects in a backpack.
Calm modeling: when adults handle transitions steadily, children learn to do the same.
It’s common for children to be a little moody, clingy, or extra tired during the first month of school. This doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong—it’s often just part of settling into new routines and expectations. With time, consistency, and support, most kids find their rhythm. If your child continues to have a hard time adjusting, our therapists are here to provide guidance and additional support.