Back-to-School Anxiety in Teens: Reframe It, Calm It, Support It

The weeks leading up to a new school year can bring excitement—but for many teens, they bring anxiety, disrupted sleep, and a rising sense of dread. In this episode, licensed therapist Jamie Roberts joins Jill Stowell to unpack what’s really happening in the brain during transitions, and how parents can support a calmer, more confident start to school.

Together, they explore:

• What the “fresh start effect” is—and how it can backfire
• Signs of back-to-school anxiety that parents often overlook
• Grounding tools and mindset shifts that help students feel safe and capable

Jamie also shares simple, science-backed mindfulness strategies from her book Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety, and explains how to help teens shift their inner narrative to one of resilience and emotional balance.

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SHOW NOTES

Jamie Roberts

ⓘ Instagram: @neurodivergenttherapist

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🌐 Equilibrium Counseling Services

🌐 NeuroPebble – Professional Training for Supporting Neurodivergent Youth

ⓘ Instagram: @neuropebble

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📕 Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety – A compassionate, practical guide to helping teens manage stress and overwhelm

Available on Amazon

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▶️ Jamie Roberts on the LD Expert Podcast: Teen Anxiety

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CONNECT WITH US

🌐 https://stowellcenter.com/

📞 877-774-0444

📞 https://stowellcenter.com/call/

The challenges associated with dyslexia or other learning disabilities can actually be dramatically improved when we stop using Band-Aid approaches and start strengthening the underlying skills that are missing or lagging. Contrary to popular belief, your child doesn’t have to “just live with it” for the rest of their life. Every day doesn’t have to be a battle.

Starting strong this school year isn’t about being a “good student”—it’s about learning how to learn.

In this episode of the LD Expert Podcast, Jill Stowell is joined by study skills coach Jessyka Coulter to share practical strategies that help middle and high school students feel more confident, organized, and in control of their learning.

You’ll hear:

• Why study skills matter more than subject content

• When and how to start teaching kids how to study

• The top 3 skills teens need now: note-taking, time management, and goal setting

• Tips for customizing study habits based on learning style

• How to handle unmotivated students—or unhelpful teachers

Jessyka’s “Love to Learn” method has helped countless students build the structure and mindset they need to succeed in school and beyond. If your child resists help or feels overwhelmed, this episode is packed with tools you can start using today.

2025 *Learn It* FREE Back-To-School Virtual Event Info and Registration Jessyka Coulter 🌐 Website: AceCookieTutoring.com ⓘ Instagram: @acecookietutoring ⓕ Facebook: @acecookietutoring Jessyka Coulter on the LD Expert Podcast ▶️ "Smart but Struggling" - What Does it Mean? - Jessyka Coulter, Love to Learn 2023 ▶️ How to Support Your Dyslexic Teen - Jessyka Coulter, Fall into High School & Beyond 2024

CONNECT WITH US

🌐 https://stowellcenter.com/

📞 877-774-0444

📞 https://stowellcenter.com/call/

The challenges associated with dyslexia or other learning disabilities can actually be dramatically improved when we stop using Band-Aid approaches and start strengthening the underlying skills that are missing or lagging. Contrary to popular belief, your child doesn’t have to “just live with it” for the rest of their life. Every day doesn’t have to be a battle.

When parenting feels like a daily battle, there’s usually more going on beneath the surface. This episode explores how behavior is communication—and how understanding sensory needs can bring peace, connection, and joy back into your home.

In this heartfelt episode, occupational therapist Cherie Francis-Boegeman joins Jill Stowell to explore how sensory needs, emotional safety, and connection can bring calm and joy back to your parenting journey. This conversation is real, validating, and full of hope.

In this episode:

✅ Why “bad behavior” is often a sign of lagging sensory and emotional skills

✅ The power of unstructured play and 3D movement in child development

✅ Practical ways to reduce meltdowns and reconnect as a family

SHOW NOTES

Cherie Francis-Boegeman

🌐 Launch Pad Therapy for Kids

📷 Instagram

📘 Facebook

Books Mentioned

📖 Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders – A. Jean Ayres

📖 Balanced and Barefoot – Angela J. Hanscom

Collaborative Problem Solving

🧠 About CPS and upcoming classes

▶️ What is CPS?

▶️ CPS episode with Stuart Ablon

▶️ CPS episode with Debra Ann Afarian

Connect with Stowell Learning Center

🌐 Visit our website

📞 Talk to a Learning Specialist

📞 877-774-0444

The challenges that come with dyslexia and learning differences don’t have to last a lifetime. When we stop using Band-Aid approaches and start strengthening the root skills that are missing, real, lasting change is possible—for your child and your family.