School can be an exciting place for children, but it can also bring moments of stress, pressure, and uncertainty. Whether it’s academic expectations, friendship worries, or a busy schedule, feeling overwhelmed is more common than many parents realise. The good news is that with the right support, children can learn to manage these feelings and regain confidence. Here are some practical, reassuring steps you can take if your child is struggling.
Start with a Calm, Open Conversation
The first step is to create a safe space for your child to share how they’re feeling. Choose a quiet moment at home, avoid distractions, and gently ask open-ended questions. Instead of “What’s wrong?”, try “Tell me about your day” or “Is there anything that’s been feeling a bit too much lately?”
Children often bottle things up because they don’t want to worry their parents, so reassure them that their feelings are valid and that you’re there to help. Listen without interrupting, and avoid jumping in with solutions too quickly — sometimes, simply being heard can make a huge difference.
Identify the Source of the Stress
Understanding what’s causing the overwhelm will help you decide on the next steps. For some children, it may be the pace of schoolwork or trouble keeping up in class. For others, it could be friendship issues, homework overload, or changes in routine.
Younger children may find it hard to explain their feelings, so look out for signs such as tiredness, irritability, a sudden dip in confidence, trouble sleeping, or not wanting to go to school. These clues can help you piece together what’s really going on.
Work with the School
Once you have a clearer picture, reach out to your child’s teacher or form tutor. Schools are well-equipped to support children’s wellbeing, and teachers can offer invaluable insight into what your child’s day looks like. They may also be able to adjust workloads, provide extra learning support, or keep an eye on social dynamics.
Most schools have pastoral teams who specialise in mental health and wellbeing, so don’t hesitate to ask what support is available. Together, you can create a plan that helps your child feel more settled and confident.
Help Them Build Healthy Routines
A structured, balanced daily routine can do wonders for reducing overwhelm. Prioritise plenty of sleep, nutritious meals, and opportunities for physical activity — all of which help regulate stress. Break homework into manageable chunks and encourage regular breaks to prevent burnout.
It’s equally important to build in downtime. Children need time to play, relax, and simply be themselves without any pressure.
Teach Coping Strategies
Simple coping tools can empower children to manage their emotions. Breathing exercises, mindfulness activities, journalling, or even a quick walk outside can help reset a busy mind. Encourage them to recognise when they’re starting to feel overwhelmed and to use these strategies proactively.
Reassure Them They’re Not Alone
Above all, remind your child that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed from time to time — everyone does. With understanding, patience, and the right support, they can move through challenging moments and develop resilience that will last well beyond their school years.