Back to school tips for mental health | Life

BY STACI PERSON

WITH school back in session, you may be wondering how to support your child for a successful year ahead. It’s important to keep in mind that school readiness involves more than just having the necessary back-to-school supplies; it also encompasses mental health. This article explores some useful tips for promoting a healthy transition, growth, and increased wellness for a fresh start.

If your child is displaying intense emotions during this transition, stay calm, listen more (talk less), and show empathy. To help strengthen their resilience, families can promote healthy coping skills such as talking to others or practicing mindfulness. Give children time to process events and emotions from school, and engage in supportive and collaborative problem solving, as needed. For instance, help children think through how they might respond if their worry came true, how likely it is that their worry will happen, and evidence that disproves their worry. It is also important to keep in mind that it’s not always necessary to “fix” something, sometimes just listening and validating the child’s experience (e.g., “That sounds hard”) is enough for them to feel better. Don’t lose sight of opportunities to connect after a long day of school, like during car rides or commutes, mealtime, and before bed.

The beginning of the school year is also a great opportunity to have children reflect on their values and to set goals. This can guide them in making healthy decisions and support their mental health. Children can be encouraged to live their values to achieve their goals. For example, if their goal is to make new friends, they can use kindness to aid in their goal attainment. However, encourage them to focus more on the goal of being a kind person. By acting in a way that honours the value of kindness, making friends becomes a natural outcome. It is helpful to focus more on the process rather than the outcome when setting goals. As another example, the goal can be to study hard rather than to achieve A’s.

When physical needs are met, it supports mental wellness and lowers the risk of serious illnesses, especially during respiratory season. In the coming months, families can promote their child’s wellness by establishing a good sleep routine, ensuring balanced nutrition, and promoting daily activity, to name a few. Aim for consistency in sleep schedules (i.e., same sleep and wake times), and try to minimize electronics and screen time one to two hours before bedtime. For families facing financial challenges, reaching out to school leadership or community groups for financial or food assistance can help to ensure nutrition needs are being met. Finally, even short periods of physical activity (e.g., an evening walk after dinner) can yield significant health benefits. Focus on making exercise enjoyable and fitness-oriented, rather than on weight loss or body image. Additionally, foster a healthy balance between extracurricular/social activities and academic responsibilities, while also building in down time.

Teachers also play a pivotal role in this effort. Schools are essential allies in promoting student mental health, and there are many ways educators can help. First off, regular training sessions for teachers on recognizing mental health symptoms in students are crucial for determining if a child is experiencing typical ups and downs or may be dealing with a larger issue. Being equipped with the knowledge to respond appropriately ensures that children in need receive the necessary support, like referrals for assessment or counselling. In this case, it is crucial to keep the lines of communication open between schools and caregivers. Schools can also work to create safe, caring spaces where students feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgment. Finally, including mental health education in the curriculum is an effective strategy to also reduce stigma associated with mental health issues.

In summary, supporting your child’s school readiness involves acknowledging and addressing their mental health. Families and schools can work together by fostering healthy coping mechanisms, ensuring consistent routines, and creating safe, supportive environments. This collaborative effort promotes the overall well-being and success of every student.

Generation Conversations is a monthly column alternating focus on children and seniors mental health to create awareness and offer knowledge of relevant issues and practical suggestions. The column is shared by Staci Person (children) and Victoria Ewen (seniors), psychologists at Sullivan and Associates Clinical Psychology. It appears on the Healthstyle page on the fourth Tuesday of each month.