By Jaime Joshi Elder
The transition from the carefree days of summer to the much more regimented school day can be challenging. Students from kindergarten to senior year can experience anxiety and stress about the new year but with some understanding and patience, parents and caregivers can support their children’s mental health and ensure they thrive, academically and emotionally.
“The most common mental health challenges children face when returning to school are anxiety, stress, nervousness, tension,” said Olivia Marino, LMHC, Supervisor of Therapy Services at Community Partners of South Florida.
In addition to the pressure to perform academically, students may also experience anxiety about a new and unfamiliar routine as well as be nervous about their social life for the new year.
“Transitioning from summer to school can be a cause for anxiety in many children. One way to prepare for this is for parents to start talking about going back to school in the last weeks leading up to school start date,” Olivia said. “Another way is to have the child meet the teacher and see the new classroom to get acclimated in the new space.
Making the unfamiliar familiar is a good coping skill and one that can be taught at home – something that Olivia encourages parents to work on with their children.
“Many common coping skills can be discussed in the home in preparation for being in the school setting,” she said.
Techniques such as deep breathing, counting to ten, muscle relaxation, and visualizing a “happy place” can be practiced at home and when they’re employed at school, parents can discuss how these strategies worked for their child, creating an open, supportive space for reflection and growth.
“When the child returns from school, the parent can have a conversation about how the use of coping skills went,” Olivia said. “Creating an open and safe place for discussion is extremely helpful.”
A consistent routine is the bedrock to good mental health for both children and adults. Steady and regularly sleep patterns, a well-balanced diet and daily physical activity through sport or play.
“Having a routine helps a child with structure and feel less anxious by fostering a safe environment and knowing what to expect,” said Dalad Srisuppak, PhD, Director of School Programs at Community Partners of South Florida. “Adequate sleep, nutrition and physical activity come together in nurturing a child’s physical and emotional balance to foster personal physical growth to be ready to learn and manage any emotional challenges throughout the day.”
This structure not only supports their mental health but also prepares them to manage the academic and social demands of school.
Open communication between child, parent and educator is also key to supporting good mental health and Dalad advises that parents and caregivers check-in with one another regularly in order to identify and support a child’s needs.
“When parents and teachers share concerns and a child’s strengths with each other, everyone is on the same page and better understands a child,” she said.
Palm Beach County has numerous resources for parents, children and caregivers looking to support mental health, not just during the school year but year-round and both Dalad and Olivia want parents to know that they are not alone in this journey.
In addition to the mental health services available at Community Partners of South Florida, Palm Beach County also has a robust behavioral health team embedded in the School District of Palm Beach County which offers tools, tips, and techniques for parents, as well as community resources available at no cost.
NAMI Palm Beach County (the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness) is another excellent resource for local mental health support, offering numerous resources for everything from anxiety to bereavement to obsessive compulsive disorder to substance abuse recovery.
Additionally, the 211 Helpline for Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast provides comprehensive support, covering not only mental health but also other essential services.
Supporting your child’s mental health during the back-to-school season requires a proactive approach. By identifying potential challenges early, establishing healthy routines, teaching coping skills and maintaining open communication with educators, parents can help their children navigate this transition with confidence and resilience.