It’s that time of year when parents prepare for many months of school that will be full of excitement, nervousness, and busy days.
There might be enthusiasm for a child entering Kindergarten, anticipation of what’s ahead as an older teen begins their senior year, as well as uncertainty and eagerness for first year and returning college students.
Some tips for success on each young person’s journey includes strong well-being.
Connection and Interpersonal Skill Building , Goals, Seeking Support
- Encourage opportunities to talk with others throughout mornings and afternoons, in hallways, between classes, during lunch, and as the day ends. Disconnect to Connect is a source that could help with initiating conversations.
- Spend time together actualizing goals by creating a vision board, charts, and brainstorming ideas that can be placed somewhere easily and frequently seen. Here are some examples to try.
- Ask about the school day and offer to help with getting involved in clubs or sports. Also, normalize receiving support from a school counselor, advisor, and safe adults. The BOUNCE Parents and Teachers: Partnering to Help Your Child Succeed workshop provides ways to stay engaged.
Additional Resources
https://www.nami.org/kids-teens-and-young-adults/school-resources/back-to-school-resources/
https://www.commonsense.org/education/back-to-school
https://www.thementalhealthcoalition.org/college-mental-health-toolkit/
