Dr. Coren notes that the change in routine, particularly for children who are not used to getting up early, may lead to family stress. There is also some apprehension about starting a new school year, both for the child who tends not to do well in school and for those children who feel insecure about their popularity. Some children start the school year with dread. The child may be picking up the mother's own anxiety over the separation. Also, the child may be very solicitous of mother's welfare and may worry about her safety when they are apart.
Fears often express themselves as temper tantrums.
While some angry behavior is normal, particularly among younger children, if tantrums do not diminish after the first week of school, professional assistance may be needed. It's not usually the school that's so scary - it's the separation from mother. Play therapy is a very good way to help these children deal with anxiety, and it's especially important for the mothers to deal with their fears as well. Dr. Coren indicates that there's also a very positive side to starting a new school year. Summertime can be boring, and the excitement of getting a fresh start while seeing old friends helps many children feel very good about going back to school.