End-of-school-year transitions: excitement, anxiety, and new beginnings

As the school year comes to an end, many children, teens and parents notice a mix of feelings. There can be real excitement about summer and a fresh start — and also worry, sadness, or a sense of ‘what now?’ as routines change.

If you’re seeing bigger emotions, sleep changes, clinginess, irritability, tearfulness, or a spike in ‘what if’ questions, you’re not alone. Transitions can feel like a lot — even when they’re positive.

Why this time of year can feel intense

Endings and beginnings happen at the same time: saying goodbye to a teacher, friends, or a familiar classroom, while also imagining a new year group, new expectations, or a new school. For some children and young people, uncertainty can quickly turn into anxiety.

For parents, it can bring its own worries too — especially if your child has struggled this year, is neurodivergent, has experienced loss or change, or finds social situations hard.

Common signs of transition anxiety

• More reassurance-seeking (e.g., repeated questions about what will happen)

• Tummy aches or headaches with no clear medical cause

• Sleep difficulties or nightmares

• Big reactions to small changes

• Withdrawal, low mood, or tearfulness

• Anger, irritability, or ‘acting out’

• Worries about friendships, bullying, or fitting in

How counselling can help

Counselling offers a calm, confidential space to make sense of feelings and build coping tools. For children, this may include gentle, play-based ways to express what’s going on. For teens and adults, it may be talking therapy that helps you understand patterns, reduce overwhelm, and feel more grounded.

A trauma-informed approach can be especially supportive if transitions are bringing up earlier experiences — such as past school difficulties, family changes, or times when things felt unsafe or unpredictable.

Practical ways to support at home (and for yourself)

• Name the mixed feelings: ‘It makes sense to feel excited and nervous.’

• Keep some routine where you can (sleep, meals, predictable plans).

• Use small ‘preview’ steps: visit the new school, look at photos, practise the route.

• Create a simple ‘worry plan’: when worries show up, what helps? (breathing, movement, a comfort item, a check-in).

• Notice strengths: remind your child (and yourself) of times you’ve managed change before.

• If you’re a parent, your steadiness matters — support for you can support them too.

When to reach out

If worries are affecting daily life, sleep, friendships, or confidence — or if you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of reassurance and anxiety — counselling can help you find a way through.

I’m Michele, a BACP-registered counsellor at Castle Counselling Service, offering warm, confidential support for children, young people, parents and adults. Sessions are available in Earls Colne and online across the UK.

If you’d like to talk about what you’re noticing

and what support might look like, you’re welcome to get in touch.