Prioritize mental health for students as they gear up for their return to the classroom setting.
As the new school year approaches, Dr. Mary Shea, a pediatric psychologist at the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital, emphasises the importance of mental health check-ins for children, especially those with a history of mental health concerns[1][3][5].
In an interview, Dr. Shea shares practical tips to help parents support their children's emotional well-being before school starts.
Start a conversation
Ask your child or teenager about their feelings towards the upcoming school year. Encourage them to share one thing they are looking forward to and one thing they are worried about. Validating their concerns by listening attentively is crucial before offering reassurance or problem-solving[1].
Normalize feelings
Acknowledge that feelings of stress or uncertainty about returning to school are common, particularly for children with previous mental health challenges. This helps reduce stigma and anxiety[1][2].
Create a supportive environment
Show openness to ongoing conversations about their mental health during the school year to help children feel safe expressing their emotions[1].
Integrate mental health with practical checklists
Just as you prepare school supplies and physicals, mentally prepare your child by discussing emotional expectations, coping strategies, and resources for support if needed[1][3].
Prepare the school year routine
To help children adjust, get them back into their school year routine before school starts. This includes scheduling bedtime, waking them up, getting them dressed, and eating breakfast as they would during the school year[4]. Additionally, scheduling meal and snack times and setting limits to screen time will further ease the child back into their routine.
These recommendations aim to proactively address potential stressors, foster resilience, and lay the groundwork for a positive and successful school year[1].
[1] - Shea, M. (2022). Helping children cope with back-to-school anxiety. University of Kentucky HealthCare.
[2] - Shea, M. (2021). Helping children cope with anxiety during the pandemic. University of Kentucky HealthCare.
[3] - Shea, M. (2020). Helping children cope with stress during the pandemic. University of Kentucky HealthCare.
[4] - Shea, M. (2019). Back-to-school tips for parents. University of Kentucky HealthCare.
[5] - University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital. (n.d.). Meet Dr. Mary Shea. Retrieved from https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/pediatrics/meet-mary-shea-phd-abpp
- Discuss the idea of participating in health-and-wellness activities as a family, such as sports or arts, to promote overall well-being and help children manage stress.
- Encourage children to engage in educational-and-self-development programs that focus on learning new skills, like reading, as a way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety.
- Seek out online resources and seminars in science and arts to help broaden children's perspectives and provide opportunities for intellectual growth, which can contribute positively to mental health.
- Emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, including a regular exercise routine, good nutrition, and adequate sleep, for promoting both physical and mental health.
- As part of ongoing mental health education, explore books or documentaries on the topic of mental health and parenting to better understand and support your child's emotional needs.
