Back-to-School Resources

• Help your child prepare for school emotionally by reflecting on summer, talking about school-related feelings, and discussing upcoming changes. Our conversation starters can help get you started.
• Consider how your family can get organized for the school year by adjusting daily routines, setting up designated space for schoolwork and getting organized.
• When possible, meet teachers, attend school events and encourage extracurricular involvement.

• You can teach simple academic skills to reduce school stress, such as staying organized, managing time and breaking tasks into smaller steps.
• Signs that your child is overwhelmed can include avoiding homework and frequent complaints about school.
• Partner with teachers, social workers, counselors or mental health counselors for additional support.

School belonging is one of the best ways we can help protect our children’s mental health as they navigate these stressors during back-to-school season.

• Feeling a sense of connection at school has many mental health benefits for kids
• Parents can help children by getting more involved with their child’s school
• Teachers can increase a sense of belonging for the whole class

• Back-to-school nerves are common, especially during times of change, such as transitioning to a new school. You can help children manage these feelings by getting back into school routines ahead of time and visiting their new school or classroom.
• Help children connect with peers through fun outings, involve them in school supply shopping and talk about what they like about school to reduce fear.
• Listen to your child’s concerns, help them challenge negative thoughts and teach coping skills like relaxation exercises.
• If worries persist for more than a few weeks, consult a pediatrician or therapist for additional support.

• Routines help children’s mental health by providing stability, structure and a sense of safety.
• When routines are disrupted, kids may act out with challenging behaviors or struggle with strong emotions.
• There are simple things you can do to help kids whose routine has been disrupted.

• It’s not unusual for some kids to struggle academically; often, it can cause extra pressure to catch up.
• Parents and caregivers can help prepare their children who struggled last year by having conversations and making plans to address the child’s needs for this upcoming year.

• Getting to know your class and encouraging students to get to know one another can improve classroom belonging.
• Asking open-ended questions can be a great way to get everyone to share.
• While you can encourage all students to participate, try to avoid making a student answer a question they’re not comfortable with.

• A sense of belonging at school helps children feel supported, respected and accepted, which is good for their mental health.
• Children who feel they belong are more engaged in schoolwork, perform better academically and are less likely to experience loneliness, anxiety and depression.
• Teachers can foster belonging by connecting individually with students, encouraging classroom connections and empowering students.
• Parents and caregivers can support school belonging by taking an interest in their child's school life and checking in regularly with the child about school.

• Healthy friendships are key to mental wellness. However, more kids are feeling isolated than ever.
• As an educator, you are able to encourage friendships to support your students’ mental health.
• Healthy friendships can help improve behavior in the class and benefit student learning.

• Talk with young athletes about their thoughts and feelings about their sport to understand their goals and whether they are feeling pressure. 
• Focus on effort and goals for improvement rather than the outcome and give personal praise on skills to build a supportive team environment. 
• Promote hobbies, other activities outside of sports, and time with friends to provide emotional balance and time for self-care. 

• Being a student athlete can also introduce stressors like performance pressure, self-doubt and time-management challenges that may impact mental health.
• Parents and coaches can model positive behavior, cheer for effort and sportsmanship, and avoid negative reactions to help create a healthy environment for young athletes.
• Adults should manage their own emotions during games by using calming strategies like mindfulness or taking breaks.

• Kids can pick up on adult attitudes toward food and their bodies and that can impact a child’s mental health.
• Adults can help children have positive views of healthy eating, activity and exercise.
• Learn about warning signs that an athlete may have unhealthy eating or exercise patterns. Early treatment can be effective.