In this special back-to-school episode Zack sits down with Mountain Valley's Director of External Affairs and Enrollment, Everett Logan, to share practical strategies for parents whose teens are struggling with school avoidance and anxiety. Everett draws on his background as a teacher, school counselor, and leader at Mountain Valley to outline five key tips that can help families manage back-to-school stress: normalizing anxiety without enabling avoidance, managing your own parental anxiety, setting predictable routines, being proactive with plans, and looking beyond academics to support your teen's overall development. Together, Zack and Everett offer real-world advice to help parents foster resilience, hold healthy boundaries, and prevent school avoidance from derailing their child's year.

If your teen is anxious about returning to school—or you're a parent looking for practical guidance—this episode is packed with insights to help your family approach the new school year with more calm, confidence, and connection.

Zack's Anxiety Hack- Zack shares an inspiring quote from Dr. Harriet Lerner about fear and courage.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.