Message from Dr. Newman: Back to School

It’s fall and all indications are that “back to school” continues to be an exciting but also stressful time for families. 

Parents struggle with increased costs, changes in routine, and worry about their children adapting and being successful. They worry about their own ability to help their children adapt and be comfortable.

Children of all ages have worries about the new school year as well. New spaces. New adults. New peers. New expectations. New routines. Will they fit in? Will they know anybody or be with their friends? Will their school supplies, clothes, summer vacation, etc. be accepted by peers? Will there be bullying? Isolation? Friendships? Academic successes or failures? Can they manage challenges of social media? Will they know how to get help if they need it?

Any change can be stressful. Even GOOD change. Adapting can be challenging. 

Stress can contribute to mental health changes, including anxiety and depression. Existing symptoms of mental health conditions can be exacerbated by stress. Mental health can impact academics and social functioning.

All of that said, this is not to add to the stress of back-to-school preparations but rather to note that if any of this sounds familiar? You are not alone. And there are things to do to help make the transition and adjustments successful!

• Prepare as much as possible – visit the building, take a tour, talk to a teacher, attend a school meeting, talk to another family/student about what to expect, explore the school web site/social media (At my house we used to walk the playground and peek in windows!) 
• Discuss with kids who they can talk with at school if needed. 
• Get involved with a school parent committee or project for parents if time permits.
• Spend time reviewing materials emailed or sent home. Include the kids as appropriate!
• Encourage kids to talk about their feelings and listen to what they have to say about returning to school. What are they looking forward to? What are they worried about? On a scale of 1 – 10 how worried are they? 
• Libraries, Kindle, and bookstores have good books and articles about back-to-school anxiety (it helps to know you are not alone!) Read with kids or on your own! Lots of simple tips available! 
• Encourage interactions and teaming up with other same age students with similar schedules or interests. 
• Start a routine – and get input from all involved! Be prepared to adapt. Routine can reduce feelings of insecurity.
• Make a budget for school related expenses – let kids be part of the process – and build in choices/options as possible. 
• Stay in communication with teachers and school communication.
• Find time to go through backpacks/school emails together over snacks and with a family calendar.
• Allow kids input in preparing materials and clothes for school days/activities. Allowing choices creates a sense of control. 
• Role play (a RESPECT favorite) various scenarios that can occur at school, with teachers and peers, in ways that help kids practice skills to be more successful at school. 

Hopefully there is something here that will help – or reinforce activities you are already engaged in to prepare for school this fall. Always feel comfortable reaching out to teachers, counselors, and principals. If you need extra resources? Call the Boys Town Hotline at 800-448-3000 or Text VOICE to 20121 for additional support!

You can do this! 

RESPECTfully,

Patricia