Tips to Prepare for Back to School
Are you ready for back to school?
School will start in less than two weeks. Most districts will offer a full remote learning option and an in-person full school week. For some it comes as a relief but for others an increase in stress and anxiety for parents, teachers and more so the kids. Many parents work and are pressured to ensure their kids are online when they’re scheduled, or juggling multiple kids in the household. Meanwhile kids are experiencing the anxiety over not being with friends again or feeling stressed how they will be able to learn without being in the classroom.
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 of 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 keep a routine
If you elect for the remote learning option, setup a learning area that the kid(s) will use each day and keep it routine. A dedicated workspace helps improve concentration. A routine is just as important for those going to school in-person with a homework schedule and limited screen time. 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
There are 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.
