Back-to-school season is officially here and while it’s an exciting time for many, it can also bring stress and anxiety for students and families. Whether it’s adjusting to new routines, academic pressure, or social changes, there’s a lot to navigate.
Whether your child is stepping into an elementary classroom for the very first time, navigating the social maze of middle school, or juggling the pressures of high school, the return to school can bring a mix of excitement and stress. Each stage and grade of a student’s journey comes with unique and new challenges from separation anxiety and first friendships to shifting identities, social media, academic demands, and big decisions about the future.
I spoke with Pamela Barlow, an expert in youth and family mental health, about how parents, guardians, caregivers, and school communities can work together to ease transitions, build confidence, and support students’ mental health, no matter what grade they’re heading into.
Take a listen:
Pamela Barlow, MSW, BCYC is a social worker, school-based counselor, and doctoral candidate with nearly 30 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families. She currently serves as a Family School Liaison Counselor, where she specializes in trauma-informed, attachment-based support for students navigating academic, social, and emotional challenges. Pamela brings deep expertise in child and youth development, mental health in education settings, and supporting families through transitions, whether entering school for the first time, changing schools, or navigating high school stressors. Her work integrates neuroscience, trauma-responsive strategies, and culturally grounded approaches to promote student well-being and resilience.
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