Ensure that mental health is included on the list of preparations for students returning to the classroom.
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As the new school year approaches, it's essential to prioritise mental health for a successful and stress-free transition. Dr. Mary Shea, a pediatric psychologist at Kentucky Children's Hospital, advises a mental health check-in for children before school.
Starting the conversation
Begin by having a conversation with your child, encouraging them to share what they are looking forward to and what worries them about the upcoming school year. It's crucial to validate their feelings without immediate dismissal, then move on to problem-solving and reassurance.
Reestablishing routines
To help ease the transition, gradually shift back into school-year routines weeks before school begins. Adjust bedtimes, wake-up times, and meal schedules to mirror the school day, and set limits on screen time. These routines will help your child adjust to their school year routine.
Child engagement
Encourage your child’s active participation in their school experience by discussing daily activities, practicing social skills like asking for help, and involving them in choices such as clothing or lunch. Familiarity with the school environment, through meet-the-teacher events or walkthroughs, boosts confidence.
Ongoing support
Allow your child downtime after school before jumping into homework or conversations to help them decompress. Provide ongoing emotional check-ins without pressure to support their resilience.
For anxious children specifically, create a safe space to explore their emotions proactively so they feel prepared and empowered to manage school-related stressors such as new teachers, social situations, and academic expectations. Recognize that stress and some emotional ups and downs are normal; the goal is to teach coping strategies and foster a positive mindset towards school challenges rather than to eliminate stress entirely.
Resources like SAMHSA’s Back-to-School Toolkit may offer additional guidance and materials to support behavioral wellness for students and families.
In sum, prioritizing mental health involves early conversations, routine-setting, emotional validation, child engagement, and ongoing support to build resilience and confidence for the school year ahead. If your child's feelings are interfering with their success at school, consider talking to their pediatrician for additional advice and support.
Health-and-wellness activities, such as sports and arts, can help boost a child's mental health and overall well-being during the new school year. Gently incorporating these activities into their daily routine can further support their resilience and engagement with school.
Encourage your child to explore various sports programs offered by the school, as physical exercise not only improves their physical health but also plays a significant role in stress management and mental health.
In addition, exposing children to arts programs can foster creativity, emotional expression, and social skills, which contribute to better mental health outcomes. Researching local arts centers, workshops, or after-school clubs in Kentucky would be a valuable investment in their holistic growth and wellness.
