A new classroom, a friendship change or an unfamiliar task can give a child plenty to think about. You can begin by making time to hear what the school day feels like for them.
Listen before making a plan
Healthdirect recommends acknowledging a child’s fears rather than dismissing them, and talking with teachers or the school counsellor when support at school would help. Healthdirect — Anxiety in children.
Try an open question such as “Which part of the day feels hardest?” Give your child room to answer in their own way. They may want to draw, talk while doing something else or return to the conversation later.
Look at practical arrangements together
You could choose a place for the school bag, check what needs to be packed and agree who will help in the morning. These are organisational ideas, not a test of whether your child can overcome a worry.
Ask the teacher which arrangements might be useful at school. Share specific concerns rather than deciding on a label for your child.
When is extra support needed?
If anxiety is affecting your child’s daily life, or you are concerned, speak with your GP. Anxiety may affect sleep, appetite or participation in school and social activities; a professional can assess what is happening. Healthdirect — Anxiety in children.
Bring observations from home and school if you have them. Your child does not need to be at a crisis point before you ask for advice.
Where else can you turn?
Kids Helpline offers support on 1800 55 1800. Healthdirect also provides nurse advice on 1800 022 222. Healthdirect — Anxiety in children.
For a separate concern about tummy symptoms, our children’s tummy article explains what to tell the GP. Avoid assuming that all physical symptoms are caused by worry.
Sources
Read 15 October 2026. Sources support the adjacent general information; clinic links establish the advertised menu, not treatment effectiveness.
- Healthdirect — Anxiety — Australian public-health guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
- Healthdirect — Anxiety in children — Australian public-health guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
