Starting the school year together
The beginning of a new school year can bring excitement, new opportunities, and fresh routines, but it can also bring uncertainty, stress, and big emotions. For children and teens, adjusting to new teachers, classmates, schedules, and expectations can take time. For parents and caregivers, knowing how to support them through that transition can make a meaningful difference.
One thing parents may not always realize is that a child who appears to be doing well at school may still be struggling with the adjustment once they return home. Ali Bishop, LSCSW, a school-based therapist with USD 250 Pittsburg, says children may spend the day holding their emotions together, only to release them once they are back in their safe space. “School is their full-time job, and they are going to have good days and bad days — just like we do,” Bishop said.
That is why creating space for children to talk about their day can be just as important as asking about homework or grades. Parents can encourage children to share what they enjoyed, what was difficult, and how they are feeling. Even simple questions about who they talked to, what they did at recess, or something that made them feel proud can help keep communication open.
Creating a smoother transition
The transition back to school often begins before the first day. Several CHC/SEK school-based therapists recommend gradually shifting sleep and wake schedules, practicing morning routines, and talking with children about what they can expect.
Families can also help make the transition something positive by shopping for school supplies together, choosing outfits, or creating small traditions around the beginning of the school year. Talking through possible situations at school or doing a trial run of the morning routine may also help children feel more prepared.
Healthy habits can continue to support students throughout the school year. Adequate sleep, drinking water, physical activity, time outdoors, and healthy screen-time habits can all play a role in emotional well-being. Creating a calm and predictable morning routine can also help set the tone for the day.
Helping children manage stress
Feeling nervous or anxious about a new school year is normal. Rather than immediately trying to fix every problem, parents can start by validating what their child is feeling and helping them build the confidence to work through challenges.
Deep breathing, grounding exercises, mindfulness, and physical activity are all strategies that can help children and teens manage stress. Parents can also model healthy ways of handling difficult emotions themselves.
Ashley Neely, LCPC, CHC/SEK’s Director of School-Based Behavioral Health, encourages parents to normalize conversations about emotions. Talking about a difficult day in age-appropriate language, explaining when you need a few minutes to breathe, or inviting a child to join you for a walk can help demonstrate that everyone experiences stress and that there are healthy ways to work through it.
Knowing when to reach out
Stress and change are normal parts of growing up, but parents should pay attention when changes in behavior begin interfering with a child’s everyday life. Elizabeth Burch, LMSW/LMLP, a school-based therapist with USD 436 Caney Valley, reminds parents that patterns of change can often be more meaningful than one isolated behavior. “Changes are often more important than one isolated behavior,” Burch said. “Watch for persistent sadness, irritability, increased worry, changes in sleep or appetite, frequent headaches or stomachaches, avoiding school, withdrawing from friends or activities, declining grades, or acting out. Trust your gut; if something feels different and it lasts more than a couple of weeks, it’s worth checking in.”
Irvin Garcia-Augur, LMSW, a therapist at CHC/SEK’s Pittsburg North location, encourages parents to consider how stress is affecting their child. Being nervous about a test may motivate a student to study, but stress that leads them to stop eating, avoid friends, or refuse to attend school may indicate a deeper concern.
Parents know their children best. If something feels different and the changes continue, reaching out to a school counselor, behavioral health professional, or other trusted resource can help families better understand what their child may be experiencing and identify ways to provide support.
Finding Support
CHC/SEK provides school-based behavioral health services in partnership with school districts across Southeast Kansas. Our school-based therapists help make behavioral health support more accessible by providing care where students spend much of their day.
Our school-based therapists serve students in communities throughout Southeast Kansas, including:
- Arma / USD 246 Northeast
- Caney Valley / USD 436
- Cherokee and Weir / USD 247 Southeast
- Columbus / USD 493
- Frontenac / USD 249
- Girard / USD 248
- Labette County / USD 506
- Pittsburg / USD 250
CHC/SEK also provides behavioral health services outside of school. CHC/SEK’s Behavioral Health team provides support for children, teens, and adults experiencing a variety of mental health concerns. Whether someone is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression or another challenge, seeking support can be an important step toward feeling better and building healthy ways to navigate life’s challenges. Learn more at chcsek.org/service/behavioral-health.