Between homework deadlines, friendship dynamics, exams, and the constant pressure to “do well,” school can feel overwhelming for many children and teens. As a parent, it can be heartbreaking to see your child stressed, anxious, or losing confidence in themselves.
At Insight Body and Mind in Aberfeldie, we understand that mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health especially for young people navigating the challenges of growing up. Our team of psychologists and wellbeing practitioners support families across Essendon and surrounding suburbs to help children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
In this blog, we’ll explore why school stress and anxiety are becoming more common, how to recognize the signs, and most importantly how you can support your child through it.

Why School Stress Is on the Rise

Today’s students face pressures that go beyond the classroom. From academic expectations and social media to extracurricular commitments, it’s easy for kids to feel like they’re constantly being measured or compared.

Some common triggers include:

Academic pressure: Fear of failure or not meeting expectations
Social anxiety: Struggles with friendships, bullying, or fitting in
Transitions: Starting a new school, changing teachers, or facing exams
Perfectionism: High-achieving students who fear making mistakes
Overstimulation: Busy schedules and too little downtime

When stress isn’t addressed early, it can build into anxiety that affects sleep, mood, behaviour, and overall wellbeing.

Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling

Every child expresses stress differently, but there are often subtle (and not-so-subtle) clues that something’s not quite right. You might notice:

Increased irritability, tearfulness, or emotional outbursts
Complaints of headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue
Avoiding school or certain subjects
Difficulty concentrating or completing homework
Changes in sleep or appetite
Withdrawal from friends or activities they used to enjoy

If these patterns persist, it may be a sign that your child needs extra emotional support.

Practical Ways to Support Your Child

As a parent, you play a vital role in helping your child manage stress and build emotional resilience. Here are a few simple yet powerful steps you can take:

1. Create Space for Conversation

Encourage your child to talk openly about what’s bothering them. Listen without judgment or immediate solutions sometimes they simply need to feel heard and validated.

2. Establish Routines

Predictable routines help children feel secure. Maintain regular sleep times, balanced meals, and moments of calm in their daily rhythm.

3. Encourage Movement and Mindfulness

Physical activity and mindfulness practices like yoga or gentle Pilates can help reduce anxiety and regulate emotions. Our studio’s youth-friendly classes focus on body awareness, breath, and calm helping kids feel more grounded and confident.

4. Model Calm and Balance

Children often mirror their parents’ stress levels. By modelling self-care and healthy coping strategies, you teach them that wellbeing is a lifelong practice not a luxury.

5. Seek Professional Support

If stress or anxiety are impacting your child’s everyday life, working with a psychologist can make a world of difference. At Insight Body and Mind, our psychologists provide a safe, supportive space for children and teens to explore their thoughts, build coping tools, and grow emotional strength.

How Insight Body and Mind Can Help

Our Aberfeldie wellbeing studio brings together mind and body practices under one roof from psychology and osteopathy to Pilates and yoga. For families, this means access to holistic care that supports every layer of wellbeing.

Whether your child needs one-on-one psychological support, mindfulness techniques, or simply a calming environment to reset, our compassionate team is here to help them (and you) navigate this journey with confidence and care.

You’re Not Alone

Parenting through your child’s stress or anxiety can be challenging but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support, children can learn to manage stress, embrace challenges, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
At Insight Body and Mind, we’re here to help families across Essendon, Aberfeldie and surrounding areas reconnect, restore, and move forward with balance.

Ready to support your child’s wellbeing?

Reach out to our friendly team to learn more about our psychology sessions, mindfulness programs, or wellbeing classes designed to nurture both body and mind. Book an appointment today or visit us at our Aberfeldie studio to begin your child’s journey toward calm, confidence, and resilience.