With children returning to the classroom in the coming weeks, STHS Behavioral encourages parents to take steps to help support their children’s mental health.
As the end of summer draws to a close and a brand-new school year begins, 12% of children nationwide are struggling with anxiety and stress over a new school year, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are a multitude of reasons why a child may be stressed about the first day of school, including fear of the unknown, concerns about academic performance, apprehension about social interactions with new classmates and separation anxiety from their parents for a large part of their day.
But parents can help make their child’s transition into a new school year easier. “Reinforcing the notion that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them can alleviate performance related stress,” says Leticia Sosa, MSSW, LCSW, LCDC-I, CLYL, Director of Outpatient Services, South Texas Health System Behavioral. “A strong support system enables children to navigate challenges more effectively and fosters a positive attitude toward learning.”
So, to help parents get their kids mentally ready for the end of summer and the start of school, South Texas Health System Behavioral offers the following tips for your child’s mental health as they return to the classroom:
Think of the new school year as a clean slate
A new school year is a chance to start over. Children can change a lot over the summer. Encourage your child to see a new school year as a new opportunity to learn and work on changing behaviors that did not work well for them last year.
Highlight positive aspects about school
Keeping a cheerful outlook about school can help shift some of the focus from the struggles of a new year. Practicing positive affirmations can also be beneficial as it can help your child cultivate a more positive mindset and help build confidence and resilience.
Encourage your child to express their feelings
Encourage your children to share how they are feeling and let them know it’s okay to feel sad or nervous sometimes. Make sure your child knows you are there for them and are their biggest ally.
Create a supportive environment
Maintain open lines of communication with your child so you can better understand how they are feeling and build your emotional connection with them. Practicing active listening is vital to communicating with your child and giving them your full attention can help them feel you are there for them creating a sense of security and belonging.
Set realistic goals
Set achievable academic and personal goals for yourself. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem, to give your self-confidence a boost.
Limit screen time
Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Set boundaries for screen time and focus on activities that enrich your life offline.
Get your child moving
Regular exercise has been proven to have a significant positive impact on mental health. So, incorporate physical activity into your child’s routine, whether it’s going for a jog, practicing yoga or joining a sports club.
Help them prioritize sleep
Children ages 6-12 should get nine to 12 hours of sleep per night, per the CDC, while teens 13-18 should get eight to 10 hours. So, it’s important your adolescent or teen prioritizes getting good sleep as they head back to school. To promote healthy sleep hygiene and habits, you can help your child develop a bedtime routine.
Seek professional help
If you find that your child’s mental health is significantly impacted upon their return to school, don’t hesitate to seek support from mental health professionals. Having the right coping mechanisms can help ease a child’s anxieties and worries about a new school year.
“Feeling supported helps kids build resilience and confidence, which are crucial for their overall development and well-being,” says Sosa. “When kids feel that their parents are there for them, it creates a sense of security and belonging, which is essential for their emotional and academic success.”
In the next installment of our Let’s Talk Children’s Health webinar series, South Texas Health System Children’s will discuss stress and anxiety in children and how it can impact their overall wellbeing. Led by STHS Behavioral’s Bob Cooper, LCSW, the webinar will take place Wednesday, August 21, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., via South Texas Health System’s Facebook page.
STHS Behavioral
STHS Behavioral has been providing quality, compassionate mental and behavioral healthcare to Valley residents for more than 30 years.
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If you or someone you know is struggling, you can schedule a confidential assessment with STHS Behavioral by calling 956-388-1300.
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