Back To School: Supporting Your Kids’ Mental Health 

Summer break provides an opportunity for kids and teenagers to step away from school-related responsibilities and relax. 

However, it can be difficult for some students to get back into the routine of a school schedule after an extended time away.

The sudden switch from “vacation mode” to sitting still in a quiet classroom can cause stress for kids, which can affect their mental health. 

Mental health issues have become more pronounced among American students in recent years, even before the pandemic, which only exacerbated the issue. 

Below we’ll explore why it’s important to support your child’s mental health while they return to school and provide tips for doing so.

Importance Of Addressing Children’s Mental Health

As kids begin the school year, addressing their mental health is of great importance. The transition can trigger learning difficulties, behavioral disruptions, and long-term emotional challenges.

The mental health crisis exacerbated by the isolation of COVID-19 restrictions has also affected young children, who have displayed self-harm and other signs of mental distress even after returning to in-person classes. 

Focusing on your child’s mental health and well-being supports a smoother adjustment following a summer break, enhancing their ability to engage academically and socially. 

It can also enhance focus, academic performance, and peer relationships. Neglecting mental health could lead to academic struggles and social isolation. 

By proactively supporting your children’s emotional needs, you enable them to thrive academically and socially, setting a strong foundation for their continued growth and success.

Signs Of Stress And Anxiety In Children

Children may seem naturally moody or sensitive at times, but there are certain signs that they are undergoing an unusual amount of stress and anxiety, or even depression. 

Children may display signs of stress and anxiety differently than adults. However, like adults, they sometimes don’t want to admit to feeling uncomfortable or overwhelmed. 

Signs a child is feeling stressed or anxious may include:

• changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• increased irritability or moodiness
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• frequent complaints of physical ailments like headaches or stomach aches
• social withdrawal or avoidance of activities they once enjoyed
• restlessness or fidgeting
• expressing excessive worries or fears
• decline in academic performance or engagement

By recognizing these signs in your child, you can set them on a path toward managing stress and being productive in school. 

Tips For Supporting Kids’ Mental Health

The following tips can help you provide your child with resources for getting stress under control so that they can have a smooth transition into the new school year.

Promoting Open Communication And Active Listening

Establishing open communication between you and your child and offering active listening can help protect your child’s mental health.

Open dialogue allows kids to express their concerns, fears, or uncertainties, fostering a sense of validation and understanding. 

By actively listening, parents and educators can identify potential sources of stress or anxiety and provide appropriate support. 

This approach creates a safe space for children to navigate challenges, ensuring their mental and emotional well-being during the school reintegration process. 

Building Social Connections

School provides an opportunity for students to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world by learning about a wide range of topics. 

However, it’s also a time to learn how to make social connections and maintain healthy relationships with educators and classmates. 

Positive interactions with peers and teachers foster a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and anxiety. 

Friendships provide emotional support, helping kids cope with academic and social challenges. Engaging in group activities promotes social skills and self-confidence. 

By encouraging social bonds, parents and educators create an environment where children feel valued, enhancing their overall well-being and easing their transition back to school.

Establishing Healthy Routines 

Many adults create a daily routine that helps them manage work, family, and other life responsibilities. But kids can also benefit from a daily routine. 

With the number of distractions that children have, such as social media and video games, a schedule with healthy activities can help them manage stress and anxiety. 

Consider the following for a healthy daily schedule for your child:

• balanced meals
• regular physical activity
• a consistent bedtime schedule

Predictable routines create stability, reducing anxiety and helping kids focus on learning. Setting aside time for homework, relaxation, and family activities fosters a sense of balance. 

By prioritizing healthy habits, parents and caregivers contribute to children’s overall resilience and successful adjustment to the school routine.

Seeking Professional Help When Necessary

If symptoms of unhealthy mental health persist in your child, you may want to seek help from a mental health professional. 

Child therapists, psychologists, and other pediatric healthcare providers can offer mental health support for young people, such as creating a safe space for kids to express their feelings and develop essential skills. 

Your school district may be able to offer mental health services, such as check-ins, talks with family members, and other initiatives to promote mental health. 

Timely intervention can prevent issues from escalating and promote healthy emotional development while helping students manage their studies. 

By seeking professional assistance, parents ensure that their children receive the guidance and tools they need to navigate challenges, fostering long-term mental health and wellness. 

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Published on August 23, 2023

Written by the Free Rehab Centers Editorial Staff