Behavioral Health Articles

Reduce Stress for the New School Year

Change is a known source of stress, and every September brings changes for your children. There are new classrooms and teachers, and maybe even a different school, as well as the challenges of new academic subjects. Sports, music, and extra-curricular activities provide enrichment and help release tension, but also involve competition. Any changes in friends and peer relationships have a huge impact. In addition, there are the normal developmental stages and issues kids experience as they grow mentally, emotionally, and physically.

All these changes are potentially stressful for both children and parents, but the beginning of a new school year also provides the opportunity for a fresh start. How can you, as a parent, help your kids get off on the right foot this fall? Here are tips from the Think Again! Group (TAG), a local behavioral health task force whose goal is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues by increased awareness, education, and accessibility to mental health services.

• Establish a reasonable schedule and stick to it: Discuss and be clear about times for homework, bedtime, and lights out.
• Breakfast counts: Kids who eat breakfast are more alert, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). A granola bar in the car on the way to school is better than nothing.
• Planners: Most schools provide a student planner; make sure your child knows how to use it. Older kids may prefer an electronic planner. What matters is having some method of tracking assignments and due dates.
• School Web Site: Your school’s web site lists procedures and events. Many teachers also provide daily assignments on a classroom link.
• Communication: Kids don’t always answer when asked, “How was your day?” Be willing to listen when they want to talk. Listen, don’t lecture.
• Bullying: Schools take bullying seriously, and you should, too. Listen to your child’s concerns; don’t hesitate to contact the school or coaches as needed. Be a role model by avoiding speech and behaviors which discriminate or make fun of others.
• Homework: Some kids do better if they start homework when they get home; others need a “chill” time to run around outside or relax first. Either way, make homework a priority; each child should have a quiet place of their own to concentrate.
• TV: The AAP recommends a maximum of two hours of quality TV daily. Many kids need limits on computer time, too.
• Bedtime: Start the bedtime routine (snack, brushing teeth, PJ’s) earlier, to avoid rushing at the end of the day. Read a story together at bedtime, or let older kids read for an hour before turning out the lights. Sleep “directly impacts mental and physical development,” says the National Sleep Foundation. Children ages 5 to 12 need ten to twelve hours of sleep a night.

Here are local organizations which provide resources and positive activities for kids and parents:

• Catholic Charities School Supply Drive: If you can’t afford school supplies, contact your child’s school, or Catholic Charities at 756-5992. Drop sites for donations are listed in the Cortland Standard.
• Family Fun and Resource Center, 29 Main Street, Cortland, offers a play area, parenting classes, and lending library. Call 753-1351.
• The Cortland YWCA offers before and after school care at eight sites for children, K-6th grade. They also sponsors Bridges for Kids, a mentoring program for children ages 5-12. Call 753-9651 for more information.
• The Cortland City Youth Bureau (www.cortland.org/youth) provides homework help, bus trips, and volunteer opportunities for teens.
• 4-H is not just for farm kids! Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension at 753-5077 for information about 4-H’s extensive programs for all ages.
• Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and church youth groups also provide positive activities, role models, and volunteer opportunities for kids and parents.

If your child is struggling, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, guidance counselor, and/or a professional counselor. You are your child’s best advocate, and early intervention can help prevent bigger problems later on.

Free emotional and behavioral health screenings are available to all 5th and 9th graders in Cortland County; call Garra at 758-6100 for more information.