Welcome back to a new school year! As your children embark on another exciting academic journey, we know that transitions, while exciting, can sometimes bring a mix of emotions. This Fall issue of our Mental Health & Wellness Newsletter is designed to support you in helping your K-12 students navigate this back-to-school period with emotional readiness and resilience.
Key Topics for a Smooth Start:
1. Easing Back-to-School Transition Anxiety (K-12 Tips)
The start of a new school year can be thrilling, but also a source of anxiety for some children and teens. Here are some strategies to help ease their transition:
- Establish Routines Early: Gradually shift bedtimes and morning routines closer to school schedule a week or two before school starts.
- Talk About It: Encourage open conversations about their feelings. Acknowledge and validate their anxieties without dismissing them.
- Connect with Friends: Arrange playdates or virtual meet-ups with classmates before school begins to foster social connections.
- Focus on the Positives: Discuss exciting aspects of the new school year, like learning new things, seeing friends, and extracurricular activities.
2. How to Talk About Feelings with Kids (Age-Adjusted Strategies)
Open communication about emotions is crucial for your child's well-being. Here’s how you can encourage it:
- For Younger Children (K-Gr. 5): Use simple language and tools like "feelings charts" or puppets to explore emotions. Read books about feelings and model expressing your own emotions in healthy ways.
- For Middle Schoolers (Gr. 6-8): Encourage them to describe their feelings using more nuanced vocabulary. Listen actively without judgment and offer comfort and understanding. You can also suggest journaling.
- For High Schoolers (Gr. 9-12): Create a safe space for them to share without immediate advice. Ask open-ended questions like, "How are you feeling about…?" and assure them that their feelings are valid.
3. Building Resilience: Routines, Sleep, and Screen Time
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges. Healthy habits are foundational to building it:
- Consistent Routines: Predictable daily routines provide a sense of security and help manage stress. This includes consistent mealtimes, homework times, and play.
- Adequate Sleep: Ensure your child gets enough sleep for their age. Lack of sleep can significantly impact mood, focus, and emotional regulation. (Approx. 9-12 hours for K-5, 8-10 hours for 6-12).
- Mindful Screen Time: Establish clear boundaries for screen usage. Encourage a balance with outdoor play, creative activities, and face-to-face interactions. Discuss online safety and digital citizenship.
4. Creating a Safe and Welcoming Classroom/Home Environment
Both home and school environments play a critical role in a child's emotional well-being:
- At Home: Foster an atmosphere where your child feels safe, heard, and loved. Encourage their independence while providing support. Create a calm space for homework and relaxation.
- At School (Partnering with Parents): Our school strives to create inclusive and supportive learning environments. We encourage open communication between parents and teachers to address any concerns promptly.
Highlight: Student Success Counsellor/Social Worker Introductions
We are thrilled to introduce (or re-introduce!) our dedicated Student Success Team at HTS. Our student Success Counsellors and Social Worker are here to provide support to students and their families. They can assist with:
- Student Success Counsellors: Provide confidential one-on-one sessions to discuss personal challenges, academic stress, or emotional difficulties.
- Social Worker: Connect families with external mental health professionals and support services. They offer crisis intervention for students experiencing acute emotional distress.
Resource Spotlight: Books for Emotional Literacy by Age Group
Here are a few recommended books to help your children understand and manage their emotions:
- For K-Gr. 3: The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings by Anna Llenas and When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry... by Molly Bang
- For Gr. 4-8: A Little Spot of Emotion series by Diane Alber and Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
- For Gr. 9-12: The Confidence Code for Girls by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman and Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram (explores anxiety and depression in teens
Contributed by: Student Success Department