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Heading back to school can be stressful for children and parents alike. After several years of lockdown and routines being disrupted, it can take a toll on children's confidence in the school environment. As well as the extended period of withdrawal from others and how that can cause loneliness.
Mental health is an important topic to consider for children and adults alike. There are some simple ways to boost your mental well-being and combat any back-to-school stress that the kids may be facing.
Here are 5 ways to ease that back-to-school stress.
Create an Open Space for Communication
One of the biggest challenges that faces anyone dealing with stress or any form of mental health concern is feeling comfortable to talk about their thoughts, feelings and emotions. That is why creating an open space that fosters communication is key!
In a kind, loving way, and non-confrontational you can reassure your child that they are not alone in going back to school. Make sure they know that you are there to listen to them, support them and help guide them.
Being present with them is the best way to carry this forward. When they are talking to you, put down the phone, look them in the eye and truly listen. Hold space and allow your child an open space for communication.
It is also helpful to ask questions that prompt specific responses. Rather than saying, 'how was your day?' which inevitably gets the standard reply, 'good', try to be more creative. Say something like, 'what was your favourite activity at school today?' Or, 'what concerns you about returning to school?' Being specific with your conversation will open the door for your child to speak their mind.
Finding Calm through Chewing Sugar-Free Gum
The Oral Health Foundation explains how chewing sugar-free gum can help prevent dental erosion, help with bad breath and help with dry mouth, among other benefits. Xylitol is an ingredient in sugar-free gum which helps to prevent plaque bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Amazingly, chewing gum can do much more than that and can even help us to relax and find calm.
Research has shown a reduction in stress from chewing gum, specifically in work and education environments. The article points out that a lot of illnesses can be stress-induced. So calming stress and nerves helps all of our physical health as well as our mental health.
If you want more information about how sugar-free gum benefits dental health, you can check out this dentist in Manchester MO.
Get Organised
It is best to make sure you have all supplies, uniforms and plans in place a few weeks before school starts back. That way, you avoid the last-minute panic of organising or shopping. When you get everything organised for school, that in and of itself releases a lot of stress both for the child and parents alike. It all has to be done at some stage so make it sooner rather than later.
Social Activities
Joining some school activities is a great way to ease some stress and make new friends and also reconnect with old friends. You can encourage your child to get involved with sport, art or a club at school where they can be part of a supportive environment with like-minded kids.
Another good idea is to reconnect with friends during the summer holidays, especially towards the end. This allows your child to get back into their relationships before school actually starts. It will help them to be more comfortable heading back in, especially in the first few days back.
Be Positive
Regardless of what you say to your child, children will watch how you act, what you say and what you do more than listen to the words you speak. So your actions and behaviour really matter, not only for your own good but to model positive behaviour for your child. Being positive will help them to feel more positive themself and to watch their role model show them the way. It will of course help you too! You can't have too much positive thinking after all!
These simple tips will help you and your family get back to school in a happy and positive way. These are just some suggestions, be sure to check with a professional or look into therapy, or some extra help if need be. Best of luck with back to school!
