A guide for parents
It’s that time again! As the first week of being back at school comes to a close, everyone is fully in ‘back to school’ mode.
Preparing for the year ahead is an important experience and a good habit to get into, as for anyone going into a new job role or career chapter. Young people can ease into studying and learning again during the first few weeks, without causing too much of a shock to their system.
However, as some young people were excited to return to school, others may be having a different experience. Some young people and children may have mental health dips due to worries and stresses associated with their new academic year.
What causes mental health issues going back to school?
For parents, it can be a worrying time if observing this change in your child and not knowing why or what to do. So what exactly could be causing this? Here are a few potential pointers:
- Different classmates: This could cause worries associated with social anxiety. Worrying about not knowing anyone, and having to make new friends, including the possibility of losing old ones.
- New teacher(s): Particularly for those who had a strong support system in place with their last teacher(s). A young person may feel apprehensive to get to know a new teacher(s), and worry they will not receive the same support.
- Challenging school work: Each school year, the work will naturally become harder. This may cause students to panic a little, and consider whether or not they are capable of keeping up. This is particularly the case for those starting at a new school (e.g. going into year 7).
- Is it their final year?: A final year at school usually involves assessments that may impact their future education. At primary school, year 6 SAT’s (although more used to evaluate the school) can be very stressful. Secondary schools sometimes use SAT’s to split children into classes based on their abilities. For those in their final year of GCSE’s or A-levels, it may also mean prepping for college, university or job applications.
- Is it their first year?: Starting their first year at a new school can be incredibly anxiety-inducing. They may be experiencing a fear of the unknown, as they may not know exactly what to expect from a new school, causing stress and anxiety on its own. This may include worries around becoming familiar with how the school works, where everything is and not getting lost, etc.
How can parents help their child to adjust to back to school?
- Communicate: It can be difficult for young people to share what is on their mind. Maybe it’s hard for younger kids to articulate what is bothering them, or older kids may fear they will be judged. If a parent begins this conversation, it may put a young person at ease, and help them explain why they feel stressed, anxious or down. Reassuring them that you are there to support them, and not judge them, may help them start the year more confidently.
- Academic help: Encourage and help out with homework and studying sessions. This can be tricky, especially with older students, as you may be unfamiliar with the content. But sometimes just being there, and allowing your child to talk openly about the work they’re doing can help solidify their own understanding, as well as help keep an open discourse about what work they’re potentially struggling with. Just be mindful of helping older children to problem solve for themselves, rather than telling them what to do, as this will foster more independence and confidence.
- Stationery check!: Sometimes not having the correct school equipment can really impact how well a child gets on in the classroom. And sometimes you don’t know what would be helpful until a couple of weeks in. This could include buying organisers and folders, for example.
- School support: It might be a good idea to investigate what extra support the school can offer. Maybe 1-1 tutoring sessions could be helpful, or careers advice for those at that stage. Highlighting to your child that the teacher is also there to help can encourage help-seeking behaviour, allowing for a much smoother year.
- Diet and sleeping pattern: Something that may seem rather obvious but has been known to be very important is establishing a healthy diet and sleeping pattern. Allowing your child to have these set healthy habits from the start can really benefit them in the months to come, especially as a balanced diet and consistent sleep can have a positive impact on a child’s mental health.
Get in touch for further support
If you are interested in using our service to your child thrive in school, we provide CBT and psychotherapy for children aged 7+ (and adults). Please don’t hesitate to contact us using the enquiry form below (or scroll down for further self-help resources):
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