4 Back-to-School Mental Health Tips

A new school year brings new opportunities, friendships, activities — and stress. While a degree of stress can be healthy, dealing with social and academic adjustments can sometimes feel overwhelming to children. Those who reach out for help most often cite the top issues they struggle with as anxiety/stress, relationships and depression/sadness.¹

How can you take proactive steps for your child’s mental health? Consider four back-to-school mental health tips for parents as you talk to your kids.

1. Communicate

Talk openly to your kids about mental health — don’t wait for them to bring it up. Taking the initiative lets your child know you’re open to the conversation. It also allows you to acknowledge your child’s concerns and help them feel understood.

As the school year approaches, help your child process and express their feelings with questions (adjusted for their age) such as:

• Is there anything you’re worried about?
• Have you been sleeping well?
• Who do you hope to spend time with at school? Is there anyone you’re concerned about seeing?
• What’s something you’re looking forward to this year?
• Are you having stomachaches or headaches?
• How can I support you through the start of the school year?

Communication with teachers, administration and school counselors is also important. Make them aware of any concerns you may have and follow up as the school year progresses.

2. Participate

Your presence as a parent has a significant impact on your child’s mental health. Playing an active role in your child’s life demonstrates that you care and offers insights into your child’s adjustment to school.

At the beginning of the school year, attend meet-the-teacher events, show interest in class selections and look for volunteer activities if your schedule allows.

Make every effort to have a smooth first week by establishing a healthy routine, planning school lunches, arranging reliable transportation and equipping your child with school supplies. (Need help? Many school districts and churches offer free supply giveaways.)

As the school year goes on, participate in parent/teacher conferences regularly and help with homework as needed. If possible, attend your child’s school activities, such as art shows, award ceremonies, athletic events, theater productions and music performances. If work prevents you from attending, consider asking a grandparent or another family member to go.

3. Encourage

A parent’s encouragement can help a child develop positive relationships and healthy decision-making throughout the school year.

• Relationships: Encourage in-person interactions to help develop strong friendships and social skills. Have conversations about what healthy friendships look like — and the red flags of unhealthy friendships.
• Activities: Help your child find their interests so they can develop their talents and reap the benefits of developing relationships with those who share similar interests. If a semester in band doesn’t turn out well, try robotics or soccer. Encourage your child to keep trying activities until they find something that captures their attention, connects them to a group and gives them something to look forward to during the week.
• Prayer: Teach your child to look to the Lord in difficult situations and times of change.
  Those who know your name trust in you because you have not abandoned those who seek you, Lord. Psalm 9:10 (CSB)
• Routines: Maintain healthy routines established early in the school year to provide structure and a sense of security. Encourage a consistent sleep schedule, nourishing meals and snacks, time for homework and plenty of time to get ready on school mornings.
• Resources: When children struggle, they sometimes shy away from opening up to their parents. Assure them that you’re always there for them while also making them aware of other resources, such as a grandparent, trusted teachers, helplines or text lines.

4. Observe

“Mom, I have a stomachache and can’t go to school.” If this is the third time you’ve heard this in a month, and you’ve ruled out any physical cause for discomfort, it could be a sign that your child is stressed about going to school.

Observe these types of changes in behavior, communicate regularly with teachers and administrators and seek professional help if needed.

The Mayo Clinic^® suggests watching for the following warning signs:²

• Sadness lasting two or more weeks
• Changes in being social or staying away from others
• Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself
• Talking about suicide or death
• Being very moody or testy or having outbursts
• Out-of-control behavior that can be harmful
• Significant changes in mood, behavior or personality
• Loss of weight or changes in eating habits
• Trouble concentrating or sleeping
• Getting headaches or stomachaches often
• Doing poorly in school or not going to school

You’re Not Alone in Navigating Mental Health Concerns

At GuideStone^®, we understand that dealing with back-to-school mental health issues (and any others in life) can be challenging. That’s why mental health benefits are included in most of our health plans. If you’re struggling, find resources for help and hope. For more information, contact us at Insurance@GuideStone.org or 1-844-INS-GUIDE (1-844-467-4843), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.

GuideStone welcomes the opportunity to share this general information. However, this article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

¹CrisisTextLine.org/united-in-empathy-2023-report
²MayoClinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/mental-illness-in-children/art-20046577