Tips on how to ease your child’s mental health into a new school year

[Music] back to school season is here but all the changes that can come with it can take a toll on children's mental health 2082 news reporter Julia O'Keefe explains how to ease into a new school year a new school year brings all sorts of excitement between new teachers new classmates new school supplies and new routines although these news are much anticipated by some this transition period back to school from summer vacation can be difficult for others the start of a new school year is a critical time for students mental health as they move from unstructured summer vacation time to more rigid routines it's important to know how to best navigate this transitory period alongside your child I spoke with Kimberly Lee at Mira Vista Behavioral Health Center and she offered some helpful advice to families when it comes to transitioning back to school these last few weeks before the start of school is really a wonderful opportunity for the adults and children's lives to really take a moment ask their young people how are they feeling about going back to school experts say it's normal for students to feel nervous going back to school and you can help by creating routines establish a regular sleeping schedule for your child and eat healthy meals if any orientation programs are offered attend them if you can meeting teachers seeing the school layout and knowing where classrooms are can help make students more confident on that first day but you should know children and Adolescence do not always voice their feelings Lee telling 22 News how parents can look out for signs their child child may be struggling with this transition watching habits watching changes in their behavior watching changes in how they're eating how they're sleeping but the most important thing is to communicate ask your child how they are feeling about this change what their worries and needs are and really listen to make it easier for more mental health and back toschool resources visit wwlp.com working for you Julia O'Keefe 22 News