Periods of transition—like starting primary school, moving to secondary school, or beginning the final years of high school—are high-risk times for burnout. The combination of new academic, social, and environmental pressures can be overwhelming. Parents need to provide extra support and vigilance during these critical junctures.
During these transitions, the need for a strong parent-child relationship, as emphasized by clinical psychologist Meghna Kanwat, is more important than ever. The home must be a stable and secure base from which the child can navigate the uncertainties of their new environment. Regular, empathetic check-ins are crucial.
It’s also a time to be especially mindful of setting “realistic goals.” The pressure to immediately excel in a new setting can be immense. Parents should focus on effort and adjustment rather than immediate high performance, reassuring their child that it’s okay to take time to find their footing.
Parents should also be on high alert for the early warning signs of burnout that Kanwat identifies, such as unusual fatigue or social withdrawal. These symptoms can appear more quickly during a stressful transition, and early intervention can prevent the situation from escalating.
By recognizing that transitions are inherently stressful, parents can proactively increase their level of support. This might mean temporarily reducing extracurricular commitments to create more downtime, or simply being more available for conversation. This extra care can make all the difference in helping a child navigate a new chapter successfully and without burning out.