Prioritize mental well-being on the preparatory list for students returning to the classroom environment.
Preparing for the Back-to-School Transition: A Guide to Mental Health Care
As the new school year approaches, it's essential to consider mental health care as a crucial aspect of the transition. Dr. Mary Shea, a renowned expert from the University of Kentucky, offers some valuable strategies to help children and teenagers prepare for this change.
Start a Conversation
One of the key recommendations is to initiate a discussion with your child or teenager about their feelings towards the upcoming school year. Encourage them to share one thing they are excited about and one thing they are anxious about. It's important to listen empathetically to their concerns, validating their feelings before moving on to problem-solving and reassurance.
Get Back into Routine
Beginning several weeks before school resumes, it's beneficial to start re-establishing consistent daily routines. This includes setting bedtimes and morning routines that mimic the school day, such as waking up, getting dressed, and eating breakfast on schedule. Regular meal and snack times should also be scheduled, and screen time should be limited to help ease the transition.
These strategies aim to reduce stress and uncertainty, particularly for children with a history of mental health concerns, by fostering open communication and re-establishing structured daily habits before school begins.
Remember, mental health care should be included on your checklist to help set your child up for a successful school year. By implementing these strategies, you can help your child navigate the back-to-school transition with confidence and ease.
[1] University of Kentucky. (n.d.). Back-to-school mental health tips for parents. Retrieved from https://uknow.uky.edu/content/back-school-mental-health-tips-parents [2] American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Helping children cope with the back-to-school transition. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/back-school/children-coping
- To reinforce the re-established routine, consider integrating various activities as part of your child's schedule, such as regular exercise for health and wellness, arts and crafts for artistic expression, and science projects for education and self-development.
- If your child shows signs of struggle with mental health, seek additional support by exploring organizations like Science of Mind in Lexington, Kentucky, which offer mental health resources and personal growth workshops.
- To foster ongoing conversation about mental health, introduce books and movies on the topic, such as those focusing on resilience and positive thinking, to provide a platform for further discussion and learning.
- In addition to mental health care, prioritize physical health by planning regular family outings for exercise or other fun health-focused activities, like hiking trails in Kentucky's parks, to promote overall well-being and bonding time.
