With September quickly approaching, students, parents and educators are busy preparing for another school year. After months of virtual learning, it’s very common for children and teens to feel nervous or apprehensive about making the return to in-person learning. Parents and guardians may feel uncertain about how to successfully make this transition with their student.
Check out these five tips for parents and guardians to keep mental health a priority this school year.
1. Provide reassurance and encouragement.
Make sure your student knows that it’s okay to ask for help, whether it’s from you, teachers, counselors or other school staff. Returning to school can feel difficult, so encouraging children to speak up if they are feeling anxious can make a big difference.
2. Communicate about COVID-19 and safety precautions.
If your child or teen feels nervous about in-person learning during a pandemic, have a conversation about the importance of safety protocols. Reviewing the precautions in place at your school system can help ease these insecurities.
3. Attend orientation events, whether virtual or in-person.
Schools often provide orientation sessions that allow early schedule preparation, mapping out classrooms or teacher meetings. These events can make it easier and more comfortable for your student to transition. It also offers you information about the school year and provides the reassurance needed to safely send your student back to school.
4. Establish a routine.
For students experiencing anxiety and stress, consistency and structure can help balance this new lifestyle. Try implementing a daily routine in the weeks leading up to the start of school such as bed times, eating breakfast or even a screen-time curfew.
5. Continue the conversation.
Continuing the conversation surrounding mental health in children and teens remains a top priority. Remind your student that school counselors are available to help. Carry the conversation home to encourage your student to speak up about mental health challenges.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health challenges, Oaks Integrated Care can help. For mental health resources or more information about our services, call our Access Center at 1-800-963-3377 or fill out a contact form today.
