Almost without exception, every back-to-school conversation leads back to the importance of startng the school year off in tip top physical shape. But let’s not forget that physical condition has a partner in making us feeling good—sound mental health.
There’s no disputing that education and the development of strong social skills are major contributors of success in traditional fashion, but they are essential building blocks of our entire lives. But the hectic pace abounding in today’s society leaves us with some very important considerations for kids and parents, especially moms, who are dealing with the pressures of meeting all kinds of timelines and scheduling conflicts.
When plunging into the new school year, mental health is equally as important in contributing to overall well being and success as is being in good physical shape.
For the kids getting back to school is exciting and stressful. There are new teachers, classrooms—maybe a whole new building—and let’s not forget homework, getting on a team, making a club—for kids of all ages this time can be overwhelming and cause serious bouts with nervousness. For some students, facing major transitions, like starting out in elementary or middle school, the emotional and mental burden can be overbearing.
Now while our little people can certainly feel stress, they don’t always recognize it for what it is and can have reactionary behavior, that among other things, creates stress for parents and the rest of the household. Cut down on the stress for you and your children by taking a few no nonsense steps to alleviate stress, sometimes before it even arrives. If this doesn’t work, we’ll come over and babysit…
- Establish a routine immediately–Having a plan to follow makes everyone’s life much easier. Children can feel a sense of reward, even relief as they complete different routines during the day.
- Eat right—Very simply, what you put in is of extreme importance. Many studies show a direct correlation between good physical health and academic success and proper nutrition—they’re not lying.
- Sleep—Yes we know that sometimes they’re so cute you hate to force them to go to bed. DO it anyway.
- Get excited—This is a great time to show them you’re interested in what they’re doing. Homework, projects, clubs, teams—ask about it all. You won’t believe the responses you get and the confidence you’re building.
- Set goals—be careful with this one. Make sure you have the right parameters. Sometimes parents don’t realize that some goals are not realistic. A parent knows how to move on from that but a child can be left behind, trapped and feeling like they failed—not a good place to lead them and very stressful to you. Get the picture?
- You talked, now listen—you will find, virtually without fail, that if there’s something you want or need to know, listen and they will tell you. Often it is sandwiched in between a barrage of other thoughts but the information is always there.
- If you know your way around your child’s school, that’s great but if you’re not, JUMP ON IN. If this is your first time at the school, make sure you and your child know what the inside of the school looks like. Can’t get in before the first day? Go on the website together and look at the pictures of classrooms, bathrooms, cafeteria, gym, schoolyard, etc.
If you know where your child is in the building at any time, you can let them know that you can locate them at any time. If you think it doesn’t cross young minds that someone may come into their classroom with harmful intentions, you’re wrong. Children interviewed after each national incident of classroom violence show concern about similar situations occurring in their schools.
- At the end of the day, spend some time asking about how everything went. It is in these conversations that you will learn of anything you might need to be aware of. Watch for excitement when talking about classmates and teachers—get to know your “school friends.” This is what should be the greatest time in your kid’s life. It’s also the time when you can really contribute to the development of strong character foundations. LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN.
- Praise and encourage your child to become involved with school activities and to try new things.
- Attend school functions and stay involved in your child’s education and engaged with school staff. Children whose parents are more involved with their education have higher achievement, are better adjusted and are less likely to drop out of school.
- Be proactive in learning about how your child is developing not just physically, but socially and emotionally, as well. If you are aware of what’s typical behavior and thoughts for your child’s stage of life, you will be able to tell more readily when things may not be right.
- One of the leading causes of stress in the classroom and school environment is bullying. Bullying can wear many masks and take many routes. Know the signs– pushing, kicking, taunting, name-calling, destroying belongings—all easily identifiable direct signs. But indirect actions can be equally as harmful—devastating– leaving someone out of a group, spreading rumors and cyber bullying are all examples of such behaviors. Watch for any signs of this behavior—whether on the giving or receiving end, bullying must be reckoned with as quickly as possible and professional help may be required.
Remember that it’s definitely going to happen. Your child is going be nervous—some much more so than others. Your job is not only to deal with their reaction but also to determine where the problem comes from and how to quickly eliminate it. Then you can work on relieving your own stress.
Join us next week when we tell parents how to relax and get on the road to switching gears between summer and school.
Mom’s Quick Fix: It Works!
Take deep cleansing breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth—this will help you focus. Then take a nice long stretch—it will reduce the tension in your muscles and almost instantly help you to relax. Try stretching before the bus comes—get the blood flowing to your muscles and start your day stress free.
By Patricia Adams
