Circle Of Friends: RaeAnne Dutz – Back To School

Returning to school can be stressful for both parents and children.

There are a lot of questions that children have about what to expect for the new school year, how hard their classes will be, or how they will fit in with others.

For parents, they worry about how their child will do, if they will be happy, or if they’ve done enough to prepare them.

How to prepare/support your child:

• Get them to bed at a certain time each night
• Develop routines in the morning
• Check in with them after school & validate their feelings
• Remind them that it’s okay to be nervous sometimes
• Ask them what would help any fears/discomforts they have
• Create a fun, screen-free environment after school to relieve stress

It’s important to pay attention to changes in children. Some signs of mental health concerns can be:

• Changes in appetite and/or sleep
• Frequent headaches, stomachaches, nausea
• No longer taking care of themselves (personal hygiene)
• Sudden changes in mood or personality
• Withdrawing from others
• Decline in academic performance

If your child is having a tough time, include their teacher and the school counselor to help them get additional help at school. It’s best to explain to your child why you’re doing this so they aren’t surprised or feel as though they are in trouble.