Paddy Kutz, Executive Director, MHALC

This fall, about 40 million children and youth are heading to pre-school/kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school. For many, the transition will be challenging and stressful. Research shows that more than one-third of 5 to 18 year olds feel nervous and anxious about the start of the school year. Parents may not be aware of the crucial role they can play in smoothing this transition and fostering their child’s mental wellness and overall healthy development of children.



It’s impossible to overstate the importance of mental health in all aspects of a child’s school experience. Academic success, peer-to-peer relationships, good behavior – all are determined by the mental and emotional wellness of children, which is precisely why parents, guardians and their kids must prioritize establishing good mental health at the start of the school year. It is not too early to begin.



The start of a new school year comes with mixed emotions and those who ensure a healthy transition can prevent potential mental health problems from developing. Here are some tips to follow:



* Express interest and enthusiasm about the start of the school year. If you are confident and excited, your child will be too.
* Take a walk around the school with your child and locate his or her classrooms, lunchroom, playground and restrooms. This will help your child to feel more comfortable with his or her surrounding and prevent feeling lost on the first day.
* Take time to listen to your child and discuss aspects of the new school year that may appear to be scary or challenging.
* Sleep deprivation is devastating to our health (especially to growing bodies), so be sure to have a “go to bed” rule that gets them ready for the early morning rising by starting a week or two before school begins.
* Spend time each day talking to your child about your expectations for them to behave appropriately and to be the best student possible. Your positive expectations will help them to know that they will succeed. Be sure to offer help if they struggle with their school work and give positive feedback about their new experiences.
* Praise and encourage your child to become involved with school activities, try new opportunities, and to do their homework everyday.
* Attend school functions and stay involved in your child’s education. Children whose parents are more involved with their education have greater academic success, are better adjusted and are less likely to drop out of school.
* Make a point to learn not just your child’s physical development, but his or her social and emotional development as well. This will help you to notice when your child is experiencing stress, anxiety or other mental health problems that are not typical.



Though most children and youth adjust to their new surrounding within a few weeks, some have greater difficulty. In fact, approximately one in four has a mental health condition that will impair their school performance and prevent them from reaching their full potential. For these kids, early identification, diagnosis and treatment are essential. Fortunately, studies show that children who receive treatment for mental health problems have a better self-esteem and relationships with their peers, better grades and are more likely to graduate.



We all want what is best for our children and if you need information or resources for help, you can call me, Paddy Kutz at 788-0302 or email me at paddykutz@alink.com. Take time every day to talk to your child about what is going on at school. The sooner you catch a problem and find solutions, the better the outcome. Have a great school year.



Mental Health America of Licking County is a partner agency of United Way and Community Mental Health & Recovery Board of Licking/Knox County.