Beyond Backpacks and Binders: Prepping Your Kid's Mental Health for Back-to-School

Hey there, Utah parents! As we gear up for another school year, it's time to think beyond just number 2 pencils and new sneakers. While those supply lists are important, let's not forget about equipping our kids with the mental and emotional tools they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Whether your little one is starting kindergarten or your teen is tackling their final year of high school, the back-to-school season can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. So, let's talk about how we can help our kiddos build resilience and start the year off on a positive note.

10 Ways to Boost Your Child's Mental Health for Back-to-School

1. Open Up the Conversation Create space for your child to express their feelings about returning to school.

Try this: Have a "back-to-school feelings" chat over ice cream at Leatherby's or during a relaxed walk around Sugar House Park. Listen without judgment and validate their emotions.

1. Practice Coping Strategies Equip your child with tools to manage stress and anxiety.

Try this: Teach simple breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques. The "5-4-3-2-1" grounding exercise can be great for anxious moments: name 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste.

1. Establish Routines Predictability can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety.

Try this: Create a visual schedule for morning and bedtime routines. Include fun elements like "dance party while brushing teeth" to make it enjoyable.

1. Foster Independence Encourage age-appropriate independence to build confidence.

Try this: Let your child choose their own school supplies or help plan their lunches. A trip to City Creek Center or your local Target can make this a fun outing.

1. Focus on Strengths Help your child recognize and use their unique strengths.

Try this: Create a "strengths board" at home. Throughout the year, add notes about times your child used their strengths at school or overcame challenges.

1. Encourage Healthy Habits Physical health plays a big role in mental wellbeing.

Try this: Make it a family goal to prioritize sleep, healthy eating, and physical activity. Maybe start a family tradition of Saturday morning hikes in the Wasatch Mountains.

1. Prepare for Social Situations Social anxiety is common, especially after summer break.

Try this: Role-play common social scenarios like meeting new classmates or joining a lunch table. Practice positive self-talk for nerve-wracking situations.

1. Set Realistic Expectations Help your child set achievable goals for the year.

Try this: Work together to create a vision board for the school year. Include both academic and personal growth goals.

1. Stay Connected Maintain open lines of communication throughout the school year.

Try this: Establish a daily "check-in" time, even if it's just for a few minutes. Maybe during the drive home from school or over an after-school snack.

1. Know When to Seek Help Be aware of signs that your child might need additional support.

Try this: Familiarize yourself with resources at your child's school, like counseling services. Don't hesitate to reach out to a child therapist if you have concerns.

Remember, every child is different and may need different types of support. The most important thing is to let your kid know that you're there for them, that it's okay to have big feelings, and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

[Call to Action: Want to dive deeper into strategies for supporting your child's mental health this school year? Let's talk about it. Schedule a session and we'll work on a personalized plan to help your child thrive academically and emotionally.]