How to calm your child’s night-before-school jitters as Term 3 starts
By Dan Kauna, August 23, 2026As thousands of Kenyan learners prepare for school, the final evening before Term 3 reopens often brings a sudden wave of anxiety.
Children might complain of unexpected stomach aches, act restless, or struggle to fall asleep as Monday morning gets closer.
These physical complaints are real body reactions to rising stress hormones, mainly cortisol, triggered by changes in routine, early travel, and returning to school expectations.
How stress affects your child’s sleep
When a child feels anxious about heading back to class, the body goes into high alert and releases cortisol into the bloodstream. High evening cortisol levels keep the mind racing and make it tough for a child to settle down.
According to research published in Psychoneuroendocrinology, “nocturnal sleep onset reliably exerts an inhibitory effect on cortisol secretion”, which shows that falling asleep at a steady hour directly lowers stress hormones and allows the body to get deep, restorative rest.
Getting proper sleep gives children time to lower their resting heart rate and recharge their mental energy overnight. Consequently, a child who sleeps early on Sunday night wakes up refreshed and ready to handle the school environment without feeling emotionally drained.
Ways parents can ease night-before anxiety
Parents can help lower this physical stress response with two steps at home. Replace phone and television screens with a quiet ten-minute family chat. This allows children to share their worries freely.
Talk through basic plans like checking packed bags, setting departure times, or organising pocket money to reassure them and calm nervous feelings.
Creating a peaceful atmosphere at least an hour before bedtime also works wonders. Dimming house lights, turning down noise, and finishing uniform preparation early prevents last-minute panic.
By offering a calm space and ensuring early rest, parents help clear stress hormones from a child’s system. On Monday morning, learners leave home well rested, focused, and ready for the term ahead.