With the new school year around the corner, there are many things to do and think about! School might be fun and even a safe haven for many children and teenagers; however, that might not be the case for all. Going back to school might be the reason for high levels of anxiety for some children, especially those who struggle with being bullied or having a shy personality. Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate such anticipation. There are also some tools parents can use to support their kids’ mental health during the school year.
Here are the ways you can help your kids be set when it comes to their mental health:
- Play Dates!Many children struggle with making significant connections to other children, which makes going to school a bit difficult. It can be overwhelming for a child to try to make friends when they are surrounded by so many kids. That is why scheduling a play date can be beneficial for children who feel overwhelmed by the thought of making friends. It gives the child the space to feel safe considering the parent or caregiver is there with them, and instead of being overwhelmed by the number of people, they can focus on forming a connection with one or two kids.
- Parents and Teachers:Parents will want to establish a good relationship with their child’s teacher so that both sides can stay informed at all times. Sometimes kids are having a hard time at home, and by informing the teachers, they are able to make certain accommodations for the child. The same can be true the other way around. Teachers who get to know their students well can tell when they are having a difficult time, and with an established relationship with the parent, they can inform them of any observations they have.
- Unwinding Time:Sometimes school can truly be exhausting and stressful, even for the little ones. At first, it might be difficult or even silly for an adult with a full-time job and a house to take care of to understand that a kid is feeling exhausted and stressed with school, but it is a real feeling and experience for them. It is encouraged for parents to validate their kids’ experiences and allow them to decompress. Many parents will want their kids to take care of their chores and homework as soon as they get home; however, sometimes all they need is some time to rest. Let us all be mindful and not allow ourselves to be dismissive of our kids’ feelings. Let us validate and let them know it is okay to take some time to rest.
- School Counselors:Make use of the school counselors! They are prepared professionals who have gone through extensive training to be available to students in need. One may think that a school counselor is there to help students achieve their academic goals and plan for their future careers; however, they are trained to do more than that. School counselors can help students manage their emotions and learn how to use interpersonal skills. They are able to provide empathy and support in every situation. When needed, they are able to connect the students with other useful resources.
- Mental Health Counseling:It is always great to have extra support when needed. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in six teens has a mental health condition, but only half receive any type of mental health service. Mental health is just as important as physical health and deserves to be taken care of by youth. In fact, many mental health conditions can lead to serious physical concerns. In a busy world where we make time for so many other things, let mental health be one of the priorities.
Don’t forget that there is always extra help and resources available for parents and guardians. Play therapy techniques can be very helpful for children who might be struggling with their mental health. Contact us for more information and options available.
Resources:
https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/ee8b2e1b-d021-4575-982c-c84402cb2cd2/Role-Statement.pdf
https://www.nami.org/Advocacy/Policy-Priorities/Improving-Health/Mental-Health-in-Schools
