Does your child struggle with back-to-school blues? As a parent, it can be heartbreaking to see your child feeling anxious or depressed as the new school year approaches. However, there are steps you can take to help prepare your child and support them through this challenging time. In this blog post, we will discuss how to identify signs of back-to-school anxiety and depression, set up a support system both inside and outside of school, create a safe and supportive environment at home, explore the role of Internal Family Systems Therapy, navigate school refusal behaviors, and find the right therapist for your teen. If you are searching for a therapist for teens near you, keep reading to discover ways to help your child thrive during the upcoming school year. If seeing your child struggle makes you feel not good enough as a parent, gain some support and insight from this episode of the Shades of Trauma Healing podcast!

Identifying Signs of Back-to-School Anxiety and Depression

Recognizing the early signals of anxiety and depression in your child can be pivotal as the school year looms. Kids prone to anxiety get clingier and more nervous than usual during the start of the school year. Watch for alterations in their usual behavior, such as increased irritability or withdrawal from family and friends. Pay attention to any shifts in sleeping or eating patterns, which can be significant indicators of distress. Additionally, a diminished interest in previously enjoyed hobbies or activities should raise concern. Physical complaints that lack a clear medical cause, may also be manifestations of their emotional turmoil. This can be in the form of persistent stomachaches or headaches, By staying attuned to these changes, parents can proactively seek the necessary support and interventions to assist their child through this transitional period.

Setting Up a Support System Inside the School

To facilitate your child's adjustment and success at school, establishing a network of support within the educational setting is crucial. Initiating a dialogue with educators and school counselors about your child’s emotional needs can create a partnership aimed at monitoring and aiding their progress. It's beneficial to inquire about available resources as well. These can be things such as peer support groups or mentorship programs that can offer additional layers of support. Encouraging your child to cultivate relationships with trusted adults on campus. Having a favorite teacher or coach can be a safe outlet to express concerns and receive guidance. Proactive communication between home and school can ensure that your child does not feel isolated in their experiences. Its can also foster a sense of community and belonging that is essential for their emotional and academic well-being.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment at Home

Creating a nurturing space for your child involves more than just physical safety. It encompasses fostering open communication and emotional security as well. A loving and supportive home life can significantly increase emotional regulation. Make it a priority to dedicate moments each day to simply listen, without judgment or the rush to offer solutions. This will allow your child to share their thoughts and feelings freely. A routine that balances structure with flexibility can help ease anxiety, offering predictability in daily life while accommodating the need for occasional adjustments based on your child's emotional state.

Encourage practices that support mental and physical well-being. This can be engaging in regular physical activities together and prioritizing nutritious meals, to reinforce the connection between body and mind health. Above all, ensure that your home is a haven of understanding and positivity. It should encourage an environment that flows freely, and challenges are met with empathy and teamwork. This approach can significantly bolster your child's confidence and sense of security as they face the school year ahead.

The Role of Internal Family Systems Therapy

Through this therapeutic practice, both children and parents can discover the underlying causes of their fears and negative core beliefs. It encourages a deeper understanding of one's emotional world, fostering self-compassion and resilience. By engaging with a therapist versed in this modality, families can learn effective strategies to manage and alleviate emotional struggles, promoting harmony and understanding within the family unit. This approach empowers children and parents alike to face the school year with confidence and a stronger, more supportive connection.

Navigating School Refusal Behaviors

Addressing school refusal with sensitivity and empathy is paramount. Delving into the reasons behind your child's hesitation to attend school allows for a compassionate response to their concerns. It may be necessary to explore various stressors, such as social dynamics or academic pressures, that contribute to their reluctance. Engaging in open and honest conversations about their fears and anxieties regarding school can illuminate potential pathways to resolution. Collaborating on strategies that empower your child to face school-related challenges is crucial. This might include establishing a gradual re-entry plan, identifying supportive staff members they can connect with, or adjusting their schedule to better suit their needs.

Finding the Right Therapist for Your Teen

In the journey to bolster your child's mental health for the school year ahead, the step of selecting an appropriate therapist is critical. To locate a therapist for teens in your vicinity, prioritize those who are skilled in adolescent psychology and have a proven track record with issues of anxiety and depression. It's important to opt for professionals who employ evidence-based practices and who exhibit an understanding, compassionate approach. Consider the rapport between your teen and the potential therapist, as a comfortable and trusting relationship is fundamental to therapeutic success. Taking the initiative to carefully choose a therapist is important. The right therapist can equip your teen with the strategies and support needed to face the new school year's challenges with resilience.

With all the changes resulting form Covid-19, and continued uncertainty in the US, both parents and children are experiencing a variety of emotions. It is important to provide a space for your child to explore and discuss how they are feeling. By doing so, we can help them find solutions to problems they are anticipating and help them regulate their emotions.  

Listen for and acknowledge how your child is feeling.

By listening and looking for cues from our kids in what they are experiencing it gives us a starting point to say “hey are you frustrated/sad/worried/annoyed that school is starting up again?” Acceptance and a non-judgmental attitude will go a long way in getting your kid to not only share how they are feeling but to continue to open up about their concerns as time goes on. Monitor your body-language, tone of voice and facial expressions to ensure you are coming across as accepting, caring and non-judgmental. More important then what we say is how we say it. Kids pick up on those non-verbal cues, just like we do.  

Validate and normalize their perspective and experience.

Put yourself in their shoes and empathize with what they are going through. For example: “ I understand you are scared to see your friends again, I was nervous when I had to go back to work too.” “You feel worried about returning to school. It has been a lot of changes this month and you do not know what to expect.” “I can see you are super excited to go back to school and see all your friends!” “It’s hard adjusting to early wake-up times again, I hate mornings too. What are some things you are looking forward to in school that you missed?”  

Be curious about what this experience means to them.

If you are not sure how your child is feeling or what they may be thinking some curious questions may help you to gauge where they are at. Examples include: “How are you feeling about going to back school?” “I wonder if you may be feeling nervous about going back to school?” “What are you looking forward to most about going back to school?” “Are you concerned about changes to your school routine?  

Be encouraging and foster hope.

If your child is experiencing not-so-pleasant emotions try to help them problem solve, plan or find the silver lining. “I know you may be worried about taking the bus again, maybe we can see if you can sit with (the neighbor, your sibling, etc)” “I know this transition is really tough but it should be nice to see your friends again/get back into the classroom”  

Check-in after the school day is over.

This transition may be difficult for kids that were not expecting it to be difficult. Those that went in excited may feel disheartened by restrictions, those who were anxious may be more anxious because everyone was wearing masks.  Check in with your child to see what they are experiencing.  Examples include: “How was your day today?” “What was it like seeing friends again?” “What did you learn today?” “What did you like about today?” “Is anything worrying you?”

Seek additional support if needed. 

As always, if you need more support contact your school social worker, guidance counselor or contact a local therapist.