Back to School:
Helping Children Handle Transition

Ready or not, it’s time to stock up on school supplies, buy new clothes, and arrange the carpool schedule. Back to school is a time of anticipation for some; a time of challenge for others.

For more than 25% of NC’s children, returning to school may be extremely difficult because of mental and emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders.

The Fear of Going Back to School – How Parents Can Help

Children’s fears and worries are just as real and powerful as those of adults, but children have less experience coping. Many children have anxiety at starting a new school year. Let them know this is normal. Encourage them to talk about their concerns and worries. Fears can be harmful if not addressed. Parents should be supportive, attentive, and practice early intervention.

Communication pays off. Studies show that your involvement can contribute more to your child’s success than your income or education level. Take time to talk to your children about the transition of going back to school.

Don’t slack off. Continue to keep communication lines open as the school year progresses. New worries and fears come up as the school year unfolds. Show interest in school activities and attend events that your child participates in.

Be supportive. Celebrate your child’s accomplishments. Encourage your child’s talents and accept limitations.

Make a schedule. Set a time for your child to wake up, do homework, chores, eat dinner, and go to bed. Daily routine improves school success. To simplify mornings, select clothing the night before. Help your child stay attentive in school by ensuring he or she eats a healthy breakfast to get the day started.

Avoid being overscheduled. Limit each child to 1-2 extracurricular activities. Don’t say “yes” to a new activity until you have weighed the costs (financial, emotional, loss of family time).

Be a family. Decide how many hours a week you want to be together as a family and make it happen. Eat dinner together at least 3-5 times a week. Schedule “goof off” time for your family to enjoy having fun together. Set family night on the calendar.

Some back to school stress and anxiety is normal. Communication may bring warning signs to your attention. Increased involvement in a child’s life can lead to detection of behavioral issues or mental illness.

Children’s Mental Health Statistics

• Mental Health Disorders affect one in every five children.

• As many as 1 in 33 children and 1 in 8 adolescents may have clinical depression.

• Of children six to twelve years of age diagnosed with clinical depression, almost one third will develop bipolar disorder within a few years.

• As many as 1 in 10 young people may have anxiety disorder.

• ADHD is the most common psychiatric condition affecting children, with a prevalence rate of 5–10%. 50% are never diagnosed.

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15–24 year olds and the sixth leading cause of death for 5–15 year olds.

Warning Signs

Conversation Starters

• What was the best thing that happened to you today?
• What do you think makes someone popular at school?
• Why do you think some kids dress differently?
• What do you remember most about the first day of school?
• What is your favorite/least favorite thing about school?
• How do you react when you are “picked on” at school? How do you wish you could change your reaction?
• Tell me what it’s like to ride the school bus.
• Tell me what lunchtime is like at school. Who do you sit with? What do you talk about?
• Do you ever feel left out of activities? Let’s talk about what happens and what you feel.
• What does “bullying” mean to you? Do you ever feel bullied at school? Describe what the bullies are like?
• Would you feel like a “tattletale” if you told on someone that was bullying you or a friend? Why?
• What are some good qualities about you? Let’s talk about why it’s so important to feel good about you? How should all this help prevent bullying?

For more information about children’s mental health, including back to school issues, contact Adrian Lovelace, Children’s Outreach Coordinator, Mental Health Association in NC, at 919-981-0740 x247 or alovelace@mha-nc.org.