29 August 2025 • Holly Marsh
By Dr Georgia Meisel, Child Psychologist at Kidswell Health
Finishing secondary school marks the end of one chapter and the start of an exciting new one. Whether your teenager is moving on to college, university, an apprenticeship, or their first job, this stage is filled with opportunity, and often, a fair amount of anxiety.
For young people, the leap into further education or the workplace can bring huge changes in independence, social circles, academic or professional expectations, and day-to-day routines. Some teenagers thrive on the challenge, while others feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty. Both reactions are completely normal.
Our child psychologists at Kidswell Health share strategies to help you support your teenager as they take this big step towards adulthood.
The transition beyond secondary school is different from earlier milestones. It often involves:
These shifts can trigger worries about coping, fitting in, or making the “right” choices.
Your teenager may not always say it, but transitions like this can feel daunting. Normalise their worries by letting them know it’s okay to feel nervous. Try to listen without immediately jumping in with solutions – sometimes, being heard is what matters most.
Support them to break challenges into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if they’re anxious about moving away, help them make a checklist: setting up a bank account, learning a few simple meals, or organising their new living space. This builds both confidence and practical skills.
Beyond academics or work, independence relies on everyday skills. Cooking basic meals, managing laundry, budgeting, and time management can all reduce anxiety about leaving home. Practise these together in the months leading up to their next step.
Encourage your teenager to strike a balance between study/work, socialising, and downtime. Hobbies, exercise, and time outdoors are important buffers against stress. Remind them it’s healthy to take breaks and productivity doesn’t mean working nonstop.
Teenagers watch how parents handle stress. Share the strategies you use to cope – whether it’s exercise, mindfulness, or taking time out. Modelling healthy behaviours shows them that managing stress is an ongoing skill, not a one-time fix.
The change to a new school or college often brings more independence and responsibility. Encourage your teen to keep organised with timetables and deadlines, while reassuring them it’s normal to need time to adjust.
Moving away from home can feel both exciting and daunting. Help your teenager prepare by practising life skills, visiting their new city if possible, and planning regular check-ins. Reassure them that homesickness is common and usually temporary.
Entering the workplace straight after school can feel intimidating. Talk about workplace expectations, from punctuality to communication skills, and remind them that mistakes are part of learning. Encourage them to seek out mentors or colleagues they can learn from.
It’s natural for teenagers to feel unsettled at first, but if you notice persistent signs of anxiety, such as ongoing sleep problems, avoidance behaviours, withdrawal from friends, or physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches, professional support may be helpful.
At Kidswell Health, our child psychologists work with young people to develop coping strategies, boost confidence, and manage anxiety around big life changes. With the right support, your teenager can approach this stage with resilience and optimism.
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The move from secondary school into further education, training, or work is one of the biggest steps in a young person’s life. With your encouragement, and where needed, professional support, your teenager can navigate this transition feeling prepared, capable, and hopeful about the future.
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