The new school year is here and many parents remember their own school struggles—from tough teachers to social pressures. While trying to help their children adjust, they may not notice their own anxiety. Psychologist Dr. Christine Korol says there are clear signs beyond simple worrying.
She explained that physical symptoms of anxiety can include headaches, difficulty sleeping, constant overthinking, and a lingering sense of worry.
It’s natural for parents to feel nervous, especially when their child is also anxious. But when worry begins to affect daily life or becomes noticeable to others, Dr. Korol believes it’s important to take action.
She reminds parents that anxiety doesn’t always signal a real danger. Instead, it’s the body’s response to stress. Shifting focus to positive outcomes and problem-solving—rather than endless worry—can help both parents and children.
By staying calm and supporting their child through challenges, parents help build confidence. Children often mirror their parents’ reactions, so maintaining composure is key.
Dr. Korol adds that parents should remember they have overcome challenges before, and they can do it again. Anxiety, she says, isn’t an emergency but an emotion that can be managed. With confidence in their child’s ability to cope, parents can create a stable, reassuring home environment during back-to-school season.
Over the past decade, Dr. Christine Korol has provided mental health guidance across North America, writing on topics such as anxiety, toxic relationships, and healthy boundaries. She is also a regular contributor to Psychology Today.
Written by Jeremy Hall