How to Support Your Child's Mental Health This School Year

The start of every school year can be jarring for children. It's a period of transition that is often accompanied by heightened anxiety, stress, and feelings of uncertainty. Prioritizing your child's mental health is important to help them adapt and thrive in the new school year. In this blog post, we will share some tips on how to support your child's mental health this school year. You can help ensure that your child is able to manage any challenges they may face while at school and maintain good mental health by implementing these tips:

Establish Routines

Establishing routines is important because it creates a sense of predictability and control in your child's life. Having a structured routine allows children to feel at ease with changes. Implementing routines can be as simple as establishing a regular morning, after-school, and bedtime routine. Make sure to be flexible about routines and make necessary changes as the new school year progresses.

Encourage Communication

Create a safe place where your child can discuss their feelings or concerns. Encouraging communication gives you insight into your child's mind and helps them feel heard and supported. Encourage them to express their feelings and validate their emotions regardless of how they may seem to you. Let them know that you are always there to listen and support them.

Encourage Physical Activity

Regular physical activity helps reduce stress, boost mood, and improve cognitive functions. Encourage your children to engage in regular exercise or sports activities to help them cope with some of the stress that can arise from school activities. Plan fun physical activities to keep them engaged and active such as:

• Hiking

• Family bike rides or dance parties

• Play frisbee or soccer at the park

• Go bowling on a rainy day

• Play catch in the backyard

• Go for a walk around your neighborhood

Take Breaks From Screen Time

It's easy for kids to get lost in the world of screens with so many gadgets and devices at our fingertips. Taking breaks from screen time is essential for their mental health. Staring at screens for long hours can cause:

• Eyestrain

• Headaches

• Disrupted sleep patterns

Taking breaks and engaging in activities like outdoor play, reading a book, or spending time with family and friends can help kids relax their minds, rejuvenate their bodies, and improve their overall well-being. Help your child make a habit of taking breaks from screens and doing other enjoyable activities throughout the day.

General guidance recommends that children should only be allowed access to devices in the presence of a responsible adult and that phones are not allowed in bedrooms or bathrooms.

Set Realistic Expectations for Your Child in Terms of Schoolwork Load

As parents, we want nothing but the best for our children, but sometimes our good intentions can lead to overloading our kids with too much. Set realistic expectations for your child's academic workload by considering the following when deciding how much homework or studying is appropriate for them:

• Age - Younger kids need more downtime and unstructured play.

• Ability - You know your child best and likely have a good sense of how much they can handle.

• Schedule - If your child is heavily involved in extracurricular activities, they might have less time to dedicate to studying.

Though we want to challenge and motivate our children, overburdening them with too much work can cause them unnecessary stress and anxiety. By setting reasonable expectations, we allow our children to feel confident in their ability to manage their workload and achieve their goals.

Model Positive Behavior

Children often learn through modeling. Show them how to manage stress, navigate challenges, and communicate when overwhelmed. Role modeling is an opportunity to teach your child about positive coping skills, strategies to manage conflicts, and resilience. Model taking breaks and having a self-care routine to show them that taking care of your mental health is okay.

Learn the Signs That a Child May Be Struggling With Their Mental Health

It can be tough to recognize when a child is facing mental health challenges, but being aware of the signs can make all the difference in getting them the support they need. Some of the most common signs to watch out for include:

• Changes in sleeping or eating habits

• Intense mood swings

• Withdrawal from friends and family

• Trouble focusing or completing tasks

• Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches

If you notice any of these behaviors or the warning signs of suicide, don't hesitate to contact your child's healthcare provider or a mental health professional for guidance. Knowing the signs is the first step in helping your child thrive.

Seek Professional Help

Seek professional help when necessary. Professional help can provide an in-depth diagnosis and management of any mental health condition your child may be struggling with. Sometimes, a mental health condition can be the underlying cause of stress or behavioral changes. Engage the school counselor, a therapist, or mental health providers for appropriate assessment and care.

Knowing how to support your child's mental health can feel challenging as a parent. These strategies can help you support your child in managing life's challenges and maintaining good mental health throughout the school year. Together we can prioritize our children's mental well-being and end the stigma of talking about mental health..

For additional resources to help you or others find the needed support during a mental health crisis, view our curated list of resources to help you find treatment or learn more about suicide prevention.

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About Gabriel's Light

In 2019, Carol and Brendan Deely founded Gabriel’s Light in honor of their son who died by suicide at age 12. In honor of Gabe and all those lost to suicide, they share their journey with the hope that others may learn and grow from their tragedy. Focusing on three pillars of cyber safety, suicide prevention, and kindness campaigns, through outreach, programs, partnerships, and funding, they raise awareness and inspire youth, parents, and educators to take action and help forward their mission.