Summer all the time seems to fly by. The college 12 months ends, and within the blink of a watch, it’s time to replenish your child’s inventory of mechanical pencils, folders, and loose-leaf paper. Back-to-school season can be an excellent time to take inventory of your child’s mental health.

Listed below are 5 suggestions to contemplate as your kids get able to head back into the classroom this fall.

1. Anticipate a change in sleep schedule: Many kids experience a sleep phase shift through the summer: They go to bed later and so they get up later. Sometimes the circadian rhythm shifts by 2-3 hours or more. Kids may be taking daytime naps in the summertime. A sudden change in day by day routine can disrupt a baby’s equilibrium and potentially exacerbate their mood, anxiety, and behavioral symptoms. I like to recommend initiating a gradual return to the “school sleep schedule” starting not less than 3-4 weeks before the primary bell rings in fall.
2. Reevaluate their meds: In case your child takes psychiatric medications equivalent to stimulants for ADHD or SSRIs for depression/anxiety, this could be a very good time to attach with their prescribing clinician to look at the medication regimen. As kids grow, they often need different doses of medicines. In case your child takes a summer holiday from their ADHD meds, make a plan for resuming the meds when school starts. I like to recommend scheduling an appointment to review all the med list and determine if some medications might be steadily decreased or discontinued, or if recent ones could also be needed. Sometimes, it’s a very good idea to make changes within the weeks leading up to high school, so that you may look ahead to unwanted effects before homework and other school stressors begin to cloud things. In other cases, it could be useful to have a couple of weeks of “data” once school starts before having your appointment.
3. Discuss social situations: Has your child’s friend group modified over the summer? Will they be in a recent class? Has there been online bullying or ghosting? Although many kids (especially teenagers) will probably be reluctant to debate their social lives with the adults of their lives, it could never hurt to ask or not less than offer support. They could find yourself sharing essential information with you. Another choice can be to direct them to a psychotherapist who may give you the option to assist process stressors related to your child’s ever-changing social life.
4. Contact and coordinate with school staff as needed: Does your child work with the varsity counselor, or does s/he need to start out working with them? Is there an IEP or 504 plan that should be reviewed? Do that you must give recent teachers any heads-ups about your child’s behavioral habits or emotional/cognitive needs? I like to recommend reaching out and not less than introducing yourself/your child to their future teachers, who will turn into such essential parts of your child’s life over the approaching 12 months.
5. Ensure smooth transitions to recent schools: Is your child starting middle school or highschool? Have you ever moved homes or have they modified schools for another reason? Much like what I wrote in Tip #4, it is sensible to be proactive and reach out to any relevant individuals before your child arrives at college. Chances are you’ll even need to drive by and provides your child a tour of the skin or within the brand new school. Staff could also be willing to supply an orientation for those who ask for it. Your child may feel more comfortable if s/he has had a probability to walk through the hallways, knows where the gym and cafeteria and restrooms are positioned, etc.

Above all else, make sure to spend some quality time along with your kids, remind them how amazing they’re, and take a moment to inform them that you simply love them, you think in them, and also you’re there for them.