With a new school year starting, families everywhere are preparing to transition back to classrooms, homework, and extracurricular activities. In the busyness and excitement, it can be easy to forget some vital back-to-school activities to promote a mentally healthy school year for the whole family – let Impact Counseling offer some tips!
Establishing a Routine that Works
Establishing a consistent routine is one of the most critical steps to a mentally healthy school year. A regular schedule helps children feel secure and manage their time effectively. “Help your children return to school by starting your nighttime and morning routines for school one to two weeks before school starts. This can include starting an earlier bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and getting up earlier in the morning.” – Rusty Bays, LPC. Starting a few weeks before the first day of school can ease a child into a good routine.
Keep Communication Safe and Fun
Encourage open and honest communication within the family. Create a safe space where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings about school, friends, and any concerns. Set aside regular family discussions to check in with each other and create simple, fun moments that everyone can look forward to. “Families can minimize anxiety around returning to school with their children by creating daily family rituals such as handshakes or positive affirmations that can be used as children get on the bus or walk into school.” – Christian Lyon, QMHP. When children know they can talk to you about anything and seek comfort from you during moments of uneasiness, it alleviates their stress and fosters a trusting relationship.
Setting Realistic Goals – Together!
“Start discussions about academic goals for the school year” – Josiah Shively, QMHP. Help your children set realistic and achievable goals for the school year. Whether academic or personal, having clear objectives can provide direction and motivation. Celebrate their small victories along the way to build their confidence. Encourage effort and growth rather than perfection, and remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
Create a Positive Learning Environment
Organize school supplies and materials to make it easy for them to find what they need. “Create a dedicated study/quiet space in the home to help encourage focus and productivity” – Josiah Shively, QMHP. A well-organized and positive learning environment can enhance concentration and productivity.
Building Resilience and Coping Skills
Teach your children how to handle stress and setbacks effectively. Encourage problem-solving and critical thinking by discussing potential challenges and brainstorming solutions together. Role-playing scenarios can help them practice coping strategies before the school year begins. For example, “Do a mock run-through of the first day of school; practice waking up early and getting ready for school” Erica Cotton, LPC. This activity helps a caregiver and a student understand what to expect and the time to adjust tricky aspects of the routine before it is “showtime”! Repeat this type of activity before any significant school-related changes to help a child feel confident in their ability to adjust.
Bring In Back-Up – Seek Professional Help When Needed
For a million and a half reasons, a child might need additional support. Be aware of signs that they could benefit from professional help, such as persistent sadness, anxiety, or changes in behavior, and don’t be afraid to ask for help to address these concerns. There’s no shame in seeking help, and professional support can provide valuable tools for managing mental health challenges that can impact all members of the family.
________________________________
As families gear up for the new school year, prioritizing mental health is essential for a successful and fulfilling experience. You can support your kids in a great academic year by establishing routines, opening up lines of communication, and setting healthy goals and habits.
If your family could benefit from professional help achieving a safe and mentally healthy school year, reach out to Impact Counseling. We offer various Community-Based Counseling services, including Mental Health Skill Building and Parent Coaching, that can address mental and behavioral health issues making barriers to school-year success. We’re here to support you and your family every step of the way.