Resources for Parents | Fact Sheets | Youth Mental Health 101
The beginning of a new school year can be a stressful time for children. As a parent there are proactive steps you can take to support your child as or she heads back to school.
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Express interest and enthusiasm about the start of the school year. If you are confident and excited, your child will be too.
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Take time to listen to your child and discuss aspects of the new school year that he or is worried about. Remember to let your child know that it's normal to feel nrevous about the start of school.
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Spend time each day talking to your child about what happened in school. Give your child positive feedback about his or her new experiences.
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Praise and encourage your child to become involved with school activities and try new things.
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Attend school function and stay involved in your child's education. Children whose parents are more involved with their education have hight achievement, are better adjusted, and are less likely to drop out of school.
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Make a point to learn about how your child develops not just physically, but socially and emotionally, as well. If you re aware of what's typical behavior for your child's stage of life you will be able to tell more readily when things may not be right.
Resources for Parents
Helpful Advice on Beating Back to School Anxiety (Dept. of Health and Human Services)
Dealing With the Back to School Blues (American Psychological Association)
Back-to-School Transitions: Tips for Parents (National Association of School Psychologists)
Helping Your Child Succeed in School (U.S. Dept. of Education)
Transition Points: Helping Students Start, Change and Move Through the Grades (NYU)
Fact Sheets
Time to Talk: Uncomfortable, but Important! A Guide for Adolescents and Teens
Time to Talk: Uncomfortable, but Important! A Guide for Parents and Other Adults
Bullying
What Every Child Needs for Good Mental Health
Parents and Stress
Recognizing Mental Health Problems in Children