At MCF, 70% of the families we support have a school-aged child with mental health challenges. Our Family Peer Support Specialists know first-hand how stressful this time of year can be because they’ve been there too.
So we asked them to come up with the tips and tricks that have worked best for them as they prepared to send their own children back to school. Here’s what they want to share:
- Several of our Family Peer Support Specialists say “routine is key!” Establish a bedtime and morning routine before school starts to allow as much time as necessary for your child to adjust. Jenice says it could take as long as a month for a child to get into new routines so the earlier you start the better. Jessica M. added that having your child make decisions about what those routines look like is a great way to help them feel involved and connected to the routine.
- Berkleigh believes its important to communicate as early as possible with the school. Even before school starts, talk with the teacher, guidance counselor, principal, or anyone else who might interact with your child every day to let them know about your child’s fears and anxieties. Also, share with them the types of the things that bring your child comfort.
- Gentry suggests that you help your child identify a “safe person” at school – someone they can turn to when they’re feeling anxious. And make sure they know how to connect with that person during the day and that the teacher understands this strategy so they can support it.
- While communication at the start of the school year is critical, its just as important to maintain open lines of communication all year long. Communication should go both ways, our Family Peer Support Specialists say. Establish a regular schedule of checking in so the teacher can provide insights on what is happening at school and you can update them on things going on at home. This communication could be daily, weekly, or as often as you feel is necessary to ensure you are getting the information you need to be proactive in addressing any challenges that arise. Jessica H. says that by positioning yourself as a helpful resource and ally, you can foster open communication and ensure that the school understands your commitment to your child’s success.
- Our Taking Flight program offers peer support to young adults and our Taking Flight Coordinator, Olivia, encourages parents to listen to what their child is telling them. Don’t ignore and minimize any concerns they bring to you about their school experiences. While maintaining open communication with your child’s teacher is crucial, so is listening to what your child is telling you.
- The start of the school year is also a good time to update the school nurse on your child’s challenges and any medications they take to treat them. This way, they can be on the lookout for warning signs that something might be off.
- Dedicate time in the hours after your child returns home from school and on the weekends to relax, refresh, and renew from the week and prepare for the coming week.
- Our Family Peer Support Specialists encourage families to create a visual schedule of events each week so that your child can see what to expect. Knowing what’s ahead can provide comfort and will encourage your child to talk with you if they are anxious about anything.
- Haley recommends providing your child with a “comfort kit.” This could be something that they can easily carry in their backpack or something they can look forward to seeing when they get home. Stock it with rewards or items that bring your child comfort and let them help decide what goes into it.
- Jessica M. encourages you to give your child grace for the first few weeks of school. School refusal during times of adjustment isn’t unusual but acknowledging and validating emotions while maintaining consistency will help. And for parents and caregivers, give yourself some grace too! Its an adjustment for you as well.