Sep 27, 2022

Back to School: Checking in on Your Child’s Mental Health

Crisp Living.

Parents know the busyness that comes with getting ready to start the school year. Between buying necessary supplies, scheduling annual doctor’s visits, and shifting into a new schedule, there is a lot to do. Adjusting to new teachers, some new classmates, and a new routine can be stressful for your child as well. Here are some things you can do to help make the transition easier for your family.

1. Communicate

Having regular conversations with your child about how they are feeling throughout the school year is a great way to ensure that they feel comfortable talking with you about any fears or anxieties they may have. These conversations can give you insight into how your child is doing on a day to day basis.

2. Normalize prioritizing mental wellness

It isn’t always easy or comfortable to talk about our feelings. But if you make it normal within your family to talk about how you feel – even when it isn’t a good feeling, your kids will grow up more comfortable talking about mental health.

This can be as simple as sharing how you are feeling after a long day or being honest about your anxieties. Being open about your own mental health can go a long way in making your kids feel comfortable sharing their feelings as well.

3. Stick to a routine

Having a dependable schedule can be incredibly helpful in providing a sense of normalcy and stability – two things that play a big role in mental health. Create a morning routine that will set your child up for success in the coming school day.

As you move from summer into the school year, it can be helpful to begin transitioning into the new schedule a little early.

If your children have been sleeping in during summer break, have them start getting up earlier to prepare for early school mornings
Plan when your child will do homework after school
Try packing lunches and picking out clothes the night before each school day

4. Help them get involved

Especially if your child is going to a new school this year, do what you can to help them get involved right away.

Let your child meet their teacher before the school year begins if possible
Help them pick an after-school club or extracurricular activity

5. Share your concerns

If your child is exhibiting signs of anxiety or depression or struggling in school, talk to their pediatrician about the next steps. It is always okay to ask for help, and there is never any shame in addressing mental health concerns just like you would any other health concern.