Back to school and Mental Health
- Transitioning Successfully into the 24-25 School Year
- By Kristina Thompson
I have always loved the changing of the seasons, and the movement from summer into fall is no exception. The temperature in the evenings dropping lower as the days go by, the leaves gradually changing color, and the eventual change from shorts and tank tops to long pants and sweaters are all welcome changes for me as we move through another season.
For many, the changing of summer into fall is synonymous with back-to-school season. While this can be an exciting time for children and their families, it can also bring changes and challenges that cause increased stress, which can then manifest into greater symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Here are some ideas to keep in mind to help your child manage their mental health while transitioning back into the school year:
- Communicate and Build Connection
- Encourage your child to express their feelings to you about going back to school. Keeping an open mind and acknowledging your child’s fears can help normalize their worries and can help them work through their emotions. During these conversations, try your best to practice active listening so you can respond in a thoughtful, nonjudgmental manner.
- Create Routines and Practice Before School Starts
- A consistent routine creates predictability and stability, which helps children feel safe. By establishing a regular sleep schedule, mealtimes, and time blocks for homework/play, you can help your child adjust to their new normal.
- If your child has frequent worries or benefits from visuals, try posting a family calendar/daily routine in a high traffic area of your home. Your Child can consult it as needed and this can relieve the stress of the unknown, helping your child feel more confident with the upcoming changes.
- Prepare and Familiarize Yourself with Resources
- If possible, attend any school orientations with your child. Give them the opportunity to explore their school, find their classroom, and meet their teachers to help ease worries and stress.
- Many schools also have school counselors, social workers, and other licensed staff members who can provide individual check ins/counseling while at school if there is a need. These trained staff members are also resources to consult if your child’s mental health is significantly impacted and they may need additional support. By identifying these individuals early, you and our child will already know who to contact if necessary.
- Encourage Self-Compassion
- For some children, the pressure to succeed academically and in extracurriculars at school can be overwhelming. Some students respond to this pressure with self-criticism and negative self-talk, which increases symptoms of anxiety and depression. Encourage your child to be kind to themselves when facing challenges. Remind them that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, and that they are so much more than their achievements or grades at school. By teaching your child self-compassion, you are helping them develop a healthy mindset to overcome barriers in the future.
Although this time of year can be challenging for children and their families, it also provides a natural opportunity for growth and healthy changes. Maybe this is a good time to build healthy habits in your routine that you’ve been meaning to get to. Leaving summer can be bittersweet, but maybe back to school season can be an opportunity: one to build connections with loved ones, to create deeper bonds with your family, and to help your child overcome challenges and thrive in the months to come.
