As the school year comes to an end, many children, teenagers and parents experience a mixture of emotions. There can be genuine excitement about summer, new experiences and fresh starts — alongside worry, sadness, uncertainty, or a feeling of “what happens next?”

If you notice bigger emotions, changes in sleep, clinginess, irritability, tearfulness, or an increase in “what if” questions, you are not alone. Transitions can feel overwhelming, even when they are positive changes.

Why can this time of year feel so intense?

Endings and beginnings often happen at the same time. Children and young people may be saying goodbye to teachers, friends and familiar routines while also facing new classrooms, new expectations or a new school.

For some children, uncertainty can quickly become anxiety. This may be especially true for those who have experienced difficult changes, loss, friendship challenges, or who find new situations and social demands challenging.

Parents can experience their own worries too, particularly if their child has struggled during the year, is neurodivergent, or has found school life difficult.

Common signs of transition anxiety

Children and young people may show anxiety through:

• Repeatedly asking questions about what will happen
• Sleep difficulties or nightmares
• Tummy aches or headaches without an obvious medical cause
• Becoming upset by small changes
• Withdrawal, tearfulness or low mood
• Increased anger or irritability
• Worries about friendships, bullying or fitting in

How counselling can help

Counselling provides a safe, confidential space where children, young people and adults can explore feelings and develop ways of coping with change.

For children, this may include creative or play-based approaches to help them express experiences that are difficult to put into words. For teenagers and adults, talking therapy can support a deeper understanding of emotions, thoughts and patterns, helping to reduce overwhelm and build confidence.

A trauma-informed approach can also be helpful when transitions bring up earlier experiences, such as difficult school experiences, family changes, loss, or times when life has felt uncertain or unsafe.

Supporting your child through transitions

Some things that may help include:

• Acknowledging mixed feelings: “It makes sense to feel excited and nervous.”
• Keeping familiar routines where possible, such as sleep and mealtimes.
• Taking small steps to prepare, such as visiting a new school or practising a journey.
• Creating a simple plan for worries — identifying what helps when anxiety appears.
• Reminding your child of times they have managed change before.

Remember that looking after yourself matters too. A calm and supported parent can help a child feel safer during uncertain times.

When might counselling be helpful?

If worries begin affecting everyday life, sleep, friendships, confidence, or family relationships, counselling can provide support and help you find a way forward.

We are Michele and Jane, BACP-registered counsellors at Castle Counselling Service, offering warm, confidential support for children, young people, parents and adults. Sessions are available in Earls Colne and online across the UK.

If you would like to talk about what you are noticing and explore what support might look like, you are welcome to get in touch.