When heading back to school, it is essential to prioritize your teen’s mental health to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
We have gathered a few tips to help ease the transition:
Communication is everything: It’s important to keep the lines of communication open. When starting a conversation, keep in mind that asking questions may feel like an interrogation to your teen - try “I noticed” statements, ask them what they need from you, or use open-ended questions, leading with curiosity and openness. They may just want to “vent” to you - try to facilitate a space where you are present and actively listening to what they are saying, without needing to respond or fix anything.
Acknowledge mixed emotions: Teens might be anxious about adjusting to new schedules, dealing with new teachers, juggling new course work, exams, and extracurricular activities. Validate their emotions, no matter what they are, and help them explore what they can do about it. Focus on creating a space of understanding and encouragement.
Help them prioritize sleep: Work with your teen to develop a successful nightly routine; encourage mindfulness activities, limiting social media and technology before bed. Modeling this for them can also create a space where they don’t feel like they are the only ones who have to do this - we do too!
Get creative and organized: Some teens may be able to organize and keep track of everything on their own, and others may need your support. Collaborate with them and get creative to learn what works for them, and support them to put it into action. Maybe they need to design their own calendar, maybe they need support making lists, maybe reminder sticky notes would be helpful - get on their level, and figure out what makes them motivated!
Encourage practicing gratitude and celebrating small wins: Helping our teens shift from the stressors or frustrations of school, and expressing gratitude and celebrating the little things, can help cultivate a more positive mindset. Do this with them; write or say one thing at the end of the day that you want to celebrate. Normalizing little wins over time can help build self esteem.
Sources: National Alliance on Mental Health (2021) & Charlie Health (2023)
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