With school officially in full swing for many Illinois families, the seasonal shift and significant changes in a student’s schedule, routine and lifestyle can be a major adjustment.
Experts at Carle Health say such changes can sometimes impact a child’s mental health - adding while these feelings are often very normal to experience, there are signs parents can look out for and methods they can use to help their kid cope.
“School is always a big stressor for a lot of kids. That’s true for kids going to the same school as last year or kids going to a new school,” Ashley Hillman, MHC, LCPC, Child Behavioral Health Clinician with Trillium Place, an affiliate of Carle Health, said. “Once summer break is over, it all becomes very real, which can lead to an increase in stress and anxiety.”
Carle Health pediatrician Erica Wiebe, MD, adds these feelings can sometimes pop up right at the beginning of the school year, or other times take a few weeks to develop as the child adjusts.
“What I see a lot of the time is a brief honeymoon phase with new teachers and classmates,” Dr. Wiebe said. “But once kids get back into that routine, that’s when parents might start to see attention struggles, focus problems and heightened anxiety that comes with academic and social demands.”
Both experts note that emotions and behavioral changes can vary in kids as the new school year progresses.
They can range from changes in mood and demeanor to differences in the way they handle assignments, interactions or life events.
“I sometimes see kids withdrawing from activities and isolating themselves more. If they don’t want to hang out with their friends or do activities they normally like, that can be concerning,” Hillman said. “With younger kids, you’ll see more acting out – they might be more oppositional or disruptive than normal.”
“Kids can experience moodiness or an increase in anxiety – perhaps some avoidance,” Dr. Wiebe added. “Bringing home assignments and things that aren’t completed is a big concern, or you may see problems with sleep - getting back into a good sleep schedule is so important.”
Hillman adds kids often struggle to verbalize how they are feeling and sometimes will filter what
they want their parents or guardians to know.
Both experts emphasize the importance of daily check-ins and 1-on-1 communication between the child and parent or guardian.
“It is okay for a child to voice the things they like and don’t like. If there are things they are struggling with or worried about, parents and guardians can work with them to help it,” Dr. Wiebe said.
“Parents and guardians should be available and open to talking – even if it’s just 15 minutes before bed. Check-in with the child and encourage them to do things that bring them joy. Fully listen rather than jumping to immediate problem solving,” Hillman said.
When considering ways to support kids who may be struggling with the school transition it’s important to maintain a strong and healthy diet. This can do wonders for their mental health, as many processed foods show links to changes in mood, behavior, attention and focus. Additionally, rest, relaxation and expression through art, crafts and games after school can help clear a child’s mind and improve their focus.
“It is unrealistic to expect your kid to come home and immediately start their homework. Let them have a little chill time, grab a snack and maybe even get on the screen for just a little bit. 30-60 minutes of this can help them and outweigh those internal battles,” Hillman said.
Both experts agree that a child’s experience at home with their family plays the biggest role in their experience at school and beyond.
“Never underestimate the value you have as an advocate for your child. Doctors and specialists can help, but in the vast majority of cases, the biggest impact comes from the parent being their child’s voice and advocating for them. Be persistent and clear about the concerns and expectations for your child – the parent or guardian is the most valuable asset a child can have,” Dr. Wiebe said.
For those in need of pediatric behavioral health services, Carle Health’s experienced staff of psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and clinical nurse specialists provides patients with many options for addressing mental health concerns.
For more information on services and resources offered by Carle Health, visit Carle.org.
Experts at Carle Health say such changes can sometimes impact a child’s mental health - adding while these feelings are often very normal to experience, there are signs parents can look out for and methods they can use to help their kid cope.
“School is always a big stressor for a lot of kids. That’s true for kids going to the same school as last year or kids going to a new school,” Ashley Hillman, MHC, LCPC, Child Behavioral Health Clinician with Trillium Place, an affiliate of Carle Health, said. “Once summer break is over, it all becomes very real, which can lead to an increase in stress and anxiety.”Carle Health pediatrician Erica Wiebe, MD, adds these feelings can sometimes pop up right at the beginning of the school year, or other times take a few weeks to develop as the child adjusts.
“What I see a lot of the time is a brief honeymoon phase with new teachers and classmates,” Dr. Wiebe said. “But once kids get back into that routine, that’s when parents might start to see attention struggles, focus problems and heightened anxiety that comes with academic and social demands.”
Both experts note that emotions and behavioral changes can vary in kids as the new school year progresses.They can range from changes in mood and demeanor to differences in the way they handle assignments, interactions or life events.
“I sometimes see kids withdrawing from activities and isolating themselves more. If they don’t want to hang out with their friends or do activities they normally like, that can be concerning,” Hillman said. “With younger kids, you’ll see more acting out – they might be more oppositional or disruptive than normal.”
“Kids can experience moodiness or an increase in anxiety – perhaps some avoidance,” Dr. Wiebe added. “Bringing home assignments and things that aren’t completed is a big concern, or you may see problems with sleep - getting back into a good sleep schedule is so important.”
Hillman adds kids often struggle to verbalize how they are feeling and sometimes will filter what
they want their parents or guardians to know.Both experts emphasize the importance of daily check-ins and 1-on-1 communication between the child and parent or guardian.
“It is okay for a child to voice the things they like and don’t like. If there are things they are struggling with or worried about, parents and guardians can work with them to help it,” Dr. Wiebe said.
“Parents and guardians should be available and open to talking – even if it’s just 15 minutes before bed. Check-in with the child and encourage them to do things that bring them joy. Fully listen rather than jumping to immediate problem solving,” Hillman said.
When considering ways to support kids who may be struggling with the school transition it’s important to maintain a strong and healthy diet. This can do wonders for their mental health, as many processed foods show links to changes in mood, behavior, attention and focus. Additionally, rest, relaxation and expression through art, crafts and games after school can help clear a child’s mind and improve their focus.
“It is unrealistic to expect your kid to come home and immediately start their homework. Let them have a little chill time, grab a snack and maybe even get on the screen for just a little bit. 30-60 minutes of this can help them and outweigh those internal battles,” Hillman said.
Both experts agree that a child’s experience at home with their family plays the biggest role in their experience at school and beyond.
“Never underestimate the value you have as an advocate for your child. Doctors and specialists can help, but in the vast majority of cases, the biggest impact comes from the parent being their child’s voice and advocating for them. Be persistent and clear about the concerns and expectations for your child – the parent or guardian is the most valuable asset a child can have,” Dr. Wiebe said.For those in need of pediatric behavioral health services, Carle Health’s experienced staff of psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and clinical nurse specialists provides patients with many options for addressing mental health concerns.
For more information on services and resources offered by Carle Health, visit Carle.org.
Categories: Staying Healthy
Tags: anxiety, back, behavioral, carle, children, health, kids, school, stress, to