As the clock ticks down and we try to sneak one more vacation and squeeze the last little bit of summer before the rush to purchase school supplies, It’s important to focus on more than what’s in our backpack before the sounding of the school bell. The beginning of the school brings on new opportunities and for some additional worries and we see an increase in stress. Before that first bell rings, here are a few tips to ensure a successful school year from the therapist’s chair.
- Get Organized- Start early by keeping track of important dates for events, assignments, and personal appointments. Having a plan and knowing what to expect helps lower anxiety. Utilize a digital planner or an old-school paper calendar to keep track of everyone’s schedule in one central place.
- Identify Supports- If you are new to school or even just starting with a new teacher, it’s important to identify your supports both within the classroom and outside of the classroom. This could be touching base with the room parent, identifying an empathetic staff member, or maybe a parent of an older student who can help you navigate this school year. Volunteer at the school or in the classroom early in the year to get a better sense of who can be your support in the school environment.
- Stay Connected- Social engagement is just as important as academic engagement. Make sure you are providing opportunities for your child to stay connected with friends. A recent study by Alotaibi, T. A. et al. found that healthy friendships lead to higher GPAs, reduction in stress and more focus, and improved academic performance. If your child struggles with making and maintaining friendships, look into social skills groups (either in school or outside) to help them beef up social skills. If they have special interest, look for groups that focus on their interest so they are starting with common ground.
- Schedule Regular Check-Ins- The best predictor of a successful school year is catching issues before they become major issues. Scheduling regular check-ins with your child keeps you informed as to what is going on in their world. These check-ins are not interrogations, but opportunities for them to download information to you. These are listening sessions. You are not there to advise unless they ask for advice.
- Prioritize Mental Health (Both Your Child’s and Your Own)- As a Mental Health Professional, I am biased but prioritizing your and your child’s mental health this school year should be your top priority. A new school year brings both new and older stressors and there are a number of licensed mental health professionals available to help navigate this school year. Depending on the age of your child, ensure you are selecting a professional who has specialized training in working with children their age. It’s important that you model mental wellness by reaching out and asking for help if you are starting to struggle, showing your child it’s okay to ask for help.
- HAVE FUN- The predictor of success is HAVING FUN! School should be fun, find ways to encourage fun this year.
