We know transitioning back to school after a long summer break can be challenging for both children and parents. After months of flexibility, later bedtimes, and fewer structured demands, returning to early mornings, academic expectations, and social pressures can feel overwhelming—especially for children who are already prone to anxiety.

For many kids, the start of a new school year brings a wave of “what ifs.” What if I don’t like my teacher? What if I don’t have friends in my class? What if the work is too hard? What if something embarrassing happens? These worries can quickly build and show up in very real ways—headaches, stomachaches, trouble sleeping, irritability, or even outright refusal to go to school. Mornings can become stressful, emotional, and unpredictable, leaving parents feeling frustrated, helpless, and unsure of what to do next.

Back 2 School is designed to give parents practical tools and clear strategies to support their child through this transition with confidence. Instead of guessing or reacting in the moment, you’ll learn how to take a proactive, structured approach that reduces anxiety and increases consistency at home.

In this group, we will break down what actually works when helping an anxious child return to school. We’ll walk through how to create a predictable and effective morning routine that sets the tone for success, how to respond when your child resists or refuses to go to school, and how to manage the emotional ups and downs that often come with this transition. You’ll also learn how to respond in ways that support your child without accidentally reinforcing avoidance or anxiety.

We will cover common back-to-school challenges such as separation anxiety, social worries, academic pressure, and school refusal behaviors. You’ll gain a better understanding of what is driving your child’s anxiety and how to respond in a way that builds resilience rather than dependence.

This is not just a teaching group—it’s a place for real-life problem solving. Parents will have the opportunity to ask “What do I do when…?” questions and get practical, straightforward answers that can be applied immediately at home. You’ll also benefit from hearing from other parents who are navigating similar challenges, helping you feel less alone and more supported.

Our goal is simple: to help you feel more confident, more prepared, and more effective in helping your child transition back to school—so that mornings become more manageable, your child becomes more capable, and your family starts the school year on stronger footing.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Back 2 School is designed for parents of school-aged children (ages 5–18) who struggle with anxiety related to returning to school after breaks or extended time away.

This group is a great fit for parents whose child:

  • Experiences worry, fear, or dread leading up to the start of school

  • Has difficulty with morning routines, including getting out of bed or getting ready for school

  • Complains of physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or feeling sick before school

  • Struggles with separation anxiety or difficulty leaving home

  • Worries about friendships, fitting in, or social situations at school

  • Feels overwhelmed by academic expectations or performance pressure

  • Has a history of school refusal, tardiness, or frequent absences

  • Becomes emotional, irritable, or shuts down when school is discussed

This group is also ideal for parents who:

  • Feel stuck, frustrated, or unsure how to respond to their child’s anxiety

  • Want clear, practical strategies—not just theory

  • Are looking to create more consistent, calmer school mornings

  • Want to support their child while also setting appropriate expectations around school attendance

  • Are ready to take a proactive approach before the school year begins or early in the transition

Whether your child is mildly anxious or significantly struggling to attend school, this group will provide you with the tools, structure, and support needed to help your child face school with greater confidence and resilience.

INSTRUCTOR

Randy Floyd, LSCSW, Founder, Clinical Level Therapist

Randy is the founder of Midwest Anxiety. He is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker who is an optimist and passionate about helping people focus on what they can do rather than what they can't do. Randy believes building a strong therapeutic relationship and tapping into a person's strengths are the most essential components of the therapeutic experience. Randy is passionate about changing the way we do mental health. He is focused on making mental health normal, a positive experience. He is also adamant about doing mental health differently. Randy believes the "old ways" suggest mental health is for the "broken" or "mentally ill." Randy believes that "Everyone Struggles." Sure. Some people struggle more than others, but everyone struggles with something. With this belief, Randy is focused on providing a wide range of programs and services to help people be mentally well ;) Go give Randy a fist bump on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

LOCATION

This group will meet virtually. A secure video link will be provided after registration.

SCHEDULE

We’ll meet von Saturdays from 1:00pm-2:00pm

FEE

$25.00 per week.

CANCELLATION POLICY

We know life gets busy. If you are unable to participate in a session, please cancel at least 24 hours in advance and you will not be charged.

REGISTRATION

Spots are limited. To guarantee a place in the group, please register early.

Please complete the information below and we will contact you shortly to help get you registered for Back 2 School.