Between prepping the school supply list, finishing summer reading and stressing about class schedules, it's easy for anxiety to take over for students at all age levels.
5 On Your Side has a few ways parents can help their children and teenagers manage back-to-school stress.
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Dr. Cameron Caswell, a psychologist who specializes in talking to teenagers, said parents should remember they have the benefit of perspective, which teens do not have.
Caswell recommends parents focus on listening and affirming to teens that they have their parents' support no matter what happens.
"We don't want to talk over [them] like, 'Oh, it'll be fine, it'll be cool,'" Caswell said. "Don't say that, because it doesn't make them feel any better. It just shuts them down. Talk to them and go, 'You're right. This is big. This is a big deal. What are you most scared about? What makes you most nervous? Okay, if that happens, what could you do?' Help them come up with a plan."
If reassurance doesn't work, Caswell suggests this sequence: "I see you, I've got you."
"If we don't know how to support our teens, go through this," she said. "I see you. I see that this is hard. I see that you're struggling. I get the waking up early sucks. I get you. I get why that's hard. I get why you're upset by that. I get why that makes you anxious. I totally get it. I'm validating your experience. I may not agree with it, but I'm validating that it's your experience, and I got you. Whatever happens, I'm in your corner."
Caswell said teenagers may also feel the pressure of academic performance when they start middle or high school. She recommends celebrating the effort they put into studying and preparing -- just like you would celebrate the grade they earn.
Finally, tell your teenager you trust them with how they want to set themselves up for success.