Tips for Back to School
Are you ready for back to school?
School will start in less than two weeks. For some it comes as a relief but for others an increase in stress and anxiety for parents, teachers and more so the kids. Most parents work and are under pressure to figure out a new schedule, after school activities or are juggling multiple kids in the household with the same stressors. Meanwhile kids may experience anxiety when starting new schools or meeting new teachers. However, a lot of kids are just excited to be back with their friends on a regular basis.
Signs of stress and anxiety in kids
For some kids they express their emotions with meltdowns, crying or anger. Others simply freeze and have a hard time concentrating. Either way they express themselves there needs to be a plan of how to handle their stress. They also need reassurance that it’s OK and completely normal to feel like this.
Most kids feed off the emotions their household or parents have, so it’s important to be mindful of the words, media outlets and management of their own emotions. Meanwhile, here are other helpful tips to make it as smooth as possible.
Setup and share your planned routine
A routine is just as important for parents as it is kids. When you set designated homework times and expectations along with limiting screen time, it’ll be easier for everyone to fall into a routine. Your child also needs a regular bedtime. Meaning, make sure they go to bed at the same time each day and wake up to get ready for school during the week.
Plan your regular back-to-school traditions
Schedule the time to shop for backpacks, lunchboxes and other regular items that works with your schedule ahead of time. Shopping for new clothes and getting haircuts is also a way to make them feel good and get kids excited about going back.
Know your resources
School guidance counselors and teachers are often available for emotional support to both you and your child(ren).
What if you or your child are still stressed and can’t focus?
Lifeline Connections is committed to long-term mental wellness for our patients. We offer an integrated, holistic approach that includes therapy and case management. Our doctors specialize in the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. They work to solve ones that have a compounding effect. Contact us and reclaim your life.
Contact a doctor for a referral or find a therapist. They can work to design a custom plan for wellness. Secure treatment is over the phone or computer with telehealth, providing coping skills for grief, loss, depression and anxiety. They will work with you one-on-one to get you feeling better.
