As the school year unfolds, both parents and students may face challenges that impact emotional well-being. Fortunately, there are practical strategies that you as a parent or caregiver can use to support your child’s mental health and success throughout their academic journey.
Build Open Communication
Encourage open communication with your child about their school experiences. Therapists often emphasize the importance of encouraging children to express their feelings, creating a safe space for dialogue, and actively listening to your child or teen’s concerns. Sometimes by simply validating their concerns (“I know it can be hard to get used to a new routine” or “It is hard to stay focused”) you can help your student feel better.
Explore Stress Management Techniques
Explore stress management techniques together. From deep breathing exercises to mindfulness activities, we recommend incorporating these practices into daily routines to help children cope with academic and social pressures.
You can also help your child or teen by modeling appropriate stress management. The start and end of the school year can be stressful for parents too! By getting plenty of rest, reinstating healthy routines, and acknowledging concerns about the stage of the school year, you can show your student how to manage their own stress.
Get Prepared & Remain Diligent
Don’t wait until the first day of school to get back into the swing of things. Take the week or so before school starts to prepare your student (and yourself!). This may include a visit to the school and your child’s classroom if possible; a walk to the bus stop, if applicable; and getting back on a healthy routine that includes more consistent meals and an earlier bedtime than you may have gotten used to over the summer.
We all tend to loosen up during vacations, so it can be especially hard to get back in the school routine after winter break and spring break. As the weather gets warmer, encourage your child or teen to spend more time outdoors, go for walks, and spend less time on screens. As daylight hours increase, try adjusting the after-school schedule with more physical activity and fresh air. Movement and being outside help with mood and energy.
If your child or teen needs more support in settling into homework after physical activity, take time to help them transition by taking an interest in their assignments and modeling by doing your own “homework” (such as paying bills, household chores, or reading) alongside them.
Enlist Help from a Therapist
Therapists play a crucial role in supporting children and families all year round, and perhaps most especially during the school year. A qualified therapist can help students deal with specific challenges such as loneliness, bullying, or academic pressure. More broadly, therapy can provide young people with coping strategies and promote a healthy mindset, contributing to the overall well-being of the child or teen.
By integrating these therapeutic approaches, parents and students can navigate the school year with a focus on emotional resilience and success. For additional support, consider working with a therapist to further enhance your child’s journey. At BRAINS, our therapists have a proven track record of helping young people navigate challenges and develop skills and strategies that will serve them well throughout their lives. For more information, contact us at 616-365-8920.