Prioritize mental health care as students gear up for their return to the classroom setting
As summer comes to an end and the new school year approaches, many children and teenagers may feel stressed and uncertain, especially those with a history of mental health concerns. To help ease this transition, Dr. Mary Shea from the University of Kentucky offers some valuable advice on preparing children and teenagers for the mental health challenges that the back-to-school period can bring.
One key tip from Dr. Shea is to start a conversation with your child or teenager about their feelings regarding the upcoming school year. Ask them about what excites them, what concerns they may have, and validate their feelings, even if you think their worries may not happen. It's essential to show empathy towards their concerns before moving on to problem-solving and reassuring them.
Another important aspect of preparing children for the back-to-school transition is to re-establish routines. This includes returning to school-related routines such as sleep and wake times well before the first day of school. Gradually getting back into the swing of things can help ease the transition and set the stage for a more successful school year.
In addition, Dr. Shea recommends including a mental health check-in as part of the back-to-school checklist. This involves having conversations with your child or teen about their feelings and encouraging them to share what they are looking forward to and what worries them. Listening carefully to their concerns before moving on to problem-solving or reassurance is crucial.
To further support children's mental health during the back-to-school transition, Dr. Shea also suggests encouraging communication with healthcare providers if the child or teen has ongoing struggles. This can ensure that they receive appropriate support as they navigate the challenges of the new school year.
Lastly, limiting screen time can also help ease the child back into their school year routine. Ask your child about what they are looking forward to and what they are not looking forward to about the upcoming school year, and use these conversations as opportunities to help them prepare emotionally for the new school year.
By preparing early and addressing emotional readiness, parents and caregivers can help set children and teenagers up for a more successful and less stressful school year. By following Dr. Shea's advice and including a mental health check-in on the back-to-school checklist, parents and caregivers can help their children navigate the challenges of the new school year with confidence and resilience.
[1] Shea, M. (2021). Back-to-School Mental Health Checklist. University of Kentucky. [2] Shea, M. (2020). Helping Children and Teens Cope with Back-to-School Anxiety. University of Kentucky. [3] Shea, M. (2019). Back-to-School Transition Tips for Parents. University of Kentucky.
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