3 Therapists Offer Back-To-School Mental Health Tips for Parents

Learn about how to support your child’s mental health this back-to-school season.

Learn more about our Clinical Review Process

Going back to school can be an overwhelming process for a child, but also for their parent. You serve as a form of support as your child navigates through the process, and, as a parent, you have to do a tremendous amount of planning. 

“Back-to-school season is more than just a shift in schedules — it’s a big emotional transition for kids,” says Charlie Health Group Facilitator Bree Williams, LPCA. “By being proactive, staying connected, and watching for warning signs, parents can help ensure their child feels supported both academically and emotionally.” With that said, here are expert-approved back-to-school mental health tips for parents in anticipation of and during the school year.

How to support your child’s mental health this back-to-school season

Williams notes that a parent’s “presence, patience, and understanding” are some of the most powerful tools in protecting their child’s mental health. Here’s how to translate those qualities into supporting their well-being. 

1. Establish a school routine

As the school year approaches, it can help to begin adjusting their schedule. For example, you might shift their bedtime or make sure they’re eating breakfast early enough. Charlie Health Group Facilitator Nicole Lonano, M.S., suggests starting this process one to two weeks before school starts. Courtney Way, MA, LCAT, a therapist at Charlie Health, adds that it could be helpful to physically take them through the school routine, such as visiting the bus stop or even the school if they’ve never been there before. 

Lonano stresses the importance of involving children in the process and, where possible, creating a routine to give them a sense of responsibility. This could include anything from picking out clothes to shopping for supplies. However, once the school year begins, try to balance how many extracurricular activities they’re doing so they’re not overwhelmed and do have time for rest, says Way. 

2. Leave space for open communication 

You’re likely not going to be a confidant for your child at all times, or even most of the time. But, encouraging open communication and validating their feelings can be a big step in that direction. 

According to Lonano, “Open communication and addressing concerns, for example, talking openly about school, listening to worries, and problem solving together, can help the child understand expectations at school and home and help foster problem solving and implement coping skills or mindfulness for challenges they may face or to reduce stress levels.”

Once school begins, Williams recommends leaving time for daily check-ins. Even if it’s a moment at the end of the day or between school and sports practice, it can give them a space to share their feelings. “Talk through any concerns or feelings that your children may have about school and validate their feelings,” adds Way.  

3. Foster a positive mindset

Your child might be anxious about going back to school or might not have the great first day they imagined. You can work with them — and model — fostering a positive mindset. Lonano suggests you “focus on the positive by talking about exciting aspects of returning to school, for example, learning new things, seeing others they may have connected with in past school years.” This outlook can increase their self-confidence in school. 

4. Normalize their emotions

Fostering a positive mindset isn’t the same as pushing toxic positivity. You can also provide tremendous mental health support by “normalizing emotions that your children are having, especially if they are nervous, tired, or overwhelmed, and letting them know that a lot of people experience this when starting school,” says Way. 

Signs of adverse mental health in your child

No matter how much you prepare, your child might experience poor mental health ahead of or during the school year. They might come to you about it and ask for help, but if they don’t, there are warning signs. According to Williams, your child might be experiencing adverse mental health if they demonstrate: 

• Persistent sadness or irritability lasting more than two weeks
• Avoiding school, including frequent complaints of feeling sick or anxiety about attending classes
• Pulling away from friends or activities they used to enjoy
• Changes in sleep or appetite, including difficulty falling asleep, sleeping too much, or eating significantly more or less
• A decline in school performance, like a sudden drop in grades or loss of interest in learning

Steps to take if your child is experiencing poor mental health

If you notice any of the symptoms above, your child might live with an existing mental health condition or be experiencing a new symptom. Regardless, you can provide support to your child if they’re struggling mentally at school. Here are some ways experts recommend you help your child.  

1. Promote healthy habits

Where you can, try to lead by example and encourage your child to engage in healthy habits, such as prioritizing sleep, encouraging physical activity, or maintaining a balanced diet, says Lonano. You can also show them mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing. 

2. Create a safe space

It can make such a difference if your child knows that they can come to you with their problems. “Creating a safe space can help foster a supportive relationship,” says Lonano. Part of this includes removing judgment and a rush to “fix” the problem without hearing all of their thoughts and feelings. Way stresses: first listen. 

If you’re bringing up a potential change in their mental health, then do it with empathy. “Let your child know you’ve noticed changes and that you care,” says Williams. 

At the same time, remember that “transitions are a process and it can take weeks for a child to fully adjust, especially if starting a new school or grade,” adds Way. “It is important to celebrate small wins and acknowledge their efforts, not just achievements.”

3. Seek professional help 

The school and mental health professionals can provide support when needed. Williams recommends collaborating “with teachers, school counselors, or the school psychologist to understand what’s happening both at home and in the classroom” about any mental health concerns. On the school level, you might be able to get them extra support during the school day, says Way.

At the same time, a mental health professional can provide additional help and serve as an unbiased third party. They can provide insight into mental health conditions and coping skills. As Williams explains, “Early intervention can make a significant difference in helping your child navigate challenges before they escalate.” 

How Charlie Health can help 

If a child in your life is struggling with anxiety or depression as they return to school, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly treatment for dealing with serious mental and behavioral health conditions, including those exacerbated by the return to school. Our expert mental health providers incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing your child’s well-being is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.