Why Back to School Anxiety Parents UK Is Rising?
As schools reopen, a new survey shows that back to school anxiety parents UK experience is widespread, with 8 in 10 reporting stress and worry.
The poll of more than 3,500 parents, carried out by family budgeting service Park Christmas Savings, highlights the significant emotional and financial strain parents face. Many report sleepless nights, “school gate separation anxiety,” and concerns about how well their children will adjust to a new year group or school.
Financial Strain Adds to Back to School Anxiety Parents UK Face
Money is one of the biggest worries. Rising costs for uniforms, technology, travel, and lunches were top concerns in the survey. More than half of parents said they have struggled to afford new school uniforms, while 15% admitted that paying for lunches was adding extra stress.
This financial pressure comes on top of wider household cost-of-living demands, leaving families stretched as they prepare for the academic year ahead.
Social and Emotional Worries for Parents
Beyond money, many parents worry about their children’s wellbeing. Around half admitted feeling “school gate separation anxiety” when saying goodbye after the summer holidays. A quarter worry their child may not adjust well to a new class or school, while another 25% fear their child could face bullying.
Social media is another growing concern. Two-thirds of parents believe their children are “growing up too fast” because of smartphones and online pressures. These issues all contribute to the levels of back to school anxiety parents UK are experiencing.
Expert Advice on Coping with Back to School Anxiety Parents UK Feel
Family psychologist and children’s author Dr Pam Spurr says the findings reflect the pressure parents are under at this time of year:
“While this is often an exciting time for children, the return to school after the summer holidays is also a major time of change for many parents too. Parents feel tremendously overwhelmed.”
She explains that parents often put themselves under pressure to meet expectations, from long school supply lists to supporting children through social and academic changes. “Children of all ages struggle with change, and parents naturally want to protect them,” she said.
Practical Tips for Families
Dr Spurr advises parents to normalise their feelings and not feel guilty for finding the transition difficult.
“Those goodbye tears at the school gates or sleepless nights are totally normal. I encourage parents to be as kind to themselves as they are with their child,” she said.
She recommends:
- Plan enjoyable family time at weekends to avoid becoming too school-focused.
- Reconnect after school by asking about the best part of the day as well as any challenges.
- Adopt healthy routines with enough rest, good food, and regular bedtimes.
“Family mental health is a team effort,” she added. “Parents need to look after their own wellbeing alongside their children’s.”
The Bigger Picture
This research highlights the scale of back to school anxiety parents UK feel as a new academic year begins. From the financial pressures of buying uniforms and technology, to worries about bullying and social media, the strain is real.
Experts agree that by talking about these feelings, planning ahead, and focusing on healthy routines, families can ease the burden and make the transition smoother for both children and parents.g on both parent and child well-being, families can start the school year calmer and more prepared.
