July 28, 2026 at 1:36pm EDT

As back-to-school season draws near, kids may be feeling anxiety about different aspects of a brand new school year. From whether or not they’ll get along with their teachers to how they’ll get back into a homework routine after a long summer break, these kinds of worries are normal. In fact, in a Reddit post, parents are sharing some pretty great advice about how to handle an all-too-popular worry for kids who are heading back to the classroom.

While the original poster has since deleted her question, the subject of the Reddit post (and lots of great advice) remains: “All of my kids’ friends are in a different class next year—what to do?” 

It’s a conundrum every parent can relate to: Your child spent the last few school years bonding with a certain group of kids, but this year, none of them are on your kid’s class list. It’s a scenario that would make even some grown-ups nervous, and one that’s totally normal to ask for help navigating. 

On this particular Reddit thread, parents seem to see the conundrum as a chance to build a more resilient child. “This is one of those things she just needs to learn to handle,” one parent commented. “I get the instinct to try and make it better for her—I think all parents want to do that for our kids. But if we fix everything that upsets them they never learn how to handle things on their own.”

“Validate her feelings,” the parent continued. “When she’s ready, maybe have her tell you about the other kids in her class. After the initial disappointment has faded you can talk about the good things that can come from being in a new class.”

“I know you’re tempted to try and get her class changed,” said another, “but don’t. This is how the world works. You’re not always going to have your best friends with you. This is a good time to learn how to adjust to that. She’ll still see them at lunch and recess. Make sure you’re facilitating play dates. The biggest thing is that she’ll make new friends.”

But other parents think taking on an attitude of “just deal with it” isn’t OK. “I’m sorry,” said one. “You’re going to get a lot of ‘just encourage her’-type comments … But honestly, this sucks. I know schools have their ‘reasons’ but I truly don’t think they always understand how much classroom placement does affect the social lives of kids at these ages. Especially for a more introverted child.”

This parent had a great suggestion for a way to help kids make friendships that aren’t tied to the classroom: “Make sure to give her opportunities to build friendship groups outside of the school setting—sports, music, theater, a club, etcetera.”

And, teachers were quick to weigh in to say that, while these things can be frustrating, parents should have faith that these kinds of changes aren’t unintentional. “I’m a teacher and when we make the classes, it is not random. It’s a pretty elaborate organization with 60+ different personalities to manage. Most likely your school is the same,” one replied. “She literally has to suck it up. Plan a lot of play dates and activities with these friends after school and on weekends.”

The varied replies with advice beg the question: When a kid isn’t happy with their class assignment going into a school year, should their parents intervene on their behalf? Or no? 

A tough call for sure, and we’re sending good vibes to all the parents and students who are navigating these and other anxieties as back-to-school season gets closer.