Practical Tips from Josselyn Clinicians
The transition from summer to the school year can be both exciting and stressful for children and adolescents. New classes, social dynamics, and academic expectations often bring mixed emotions and can result in young people experiencing anxiety and stress during this time. Josselyn clinicians offer the following strategies to help families ease the transition and set children up for a strong start to the year.
Build a Foundation with SEEDS
Consistency is one of the best buffers against stress. A helpful tool is the dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) concept known as SEEDS:
- Sleep: Encourage regular bedtimes and consistent rest.
- Eating: Prioritize balanced meals and snacks that fuel focus.
- Exercise: Incorporate movement each day, even a short walk.
- Doctor’s recommendations: Stay on top of medical or therapeutic care.
- Self-care: Encourage downtime and enjoyable activities.
When these essentials are in place, children are more resilient when faced with challenges. If you notice that one or more of these areas begins to slip, it can be an early signal to check in with your child.
Create an After-School Routine
Having a plan for the hours after school helps students decompress and transition into home life. Work together to identify what they need. Some may want time to relax before tackling homework, while others may prefer to finish assignments right away. Collaboratively decide on times for homework, chores, and leisure activities to bring structure and reduce power struggles.
Break Work into Manageable Chunks
Large projects or heavy homework loads can feel overwhelming. Help your child:
- Divide assignments into smaller steps.
- Take short, regular breaks.
- Celebrate progress along the way.
Techniques such as the Pomodoro Method, 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break, can boost productivity while preventing burnout. After four rounds, encourage a longer break to recharge.
Encourage Advocacy and Communication
Students may hesitate to approach teachers when they struggle. Encourage them to self-advocate, and offer to step in if the conversation feels daunting. This not only supports immediate needs but also teaches valuable life skills. At home, keep communication open by noticing changes and asking open-ended questions:
- “I noticed you have been having trouble sleeping lately. What has been on your mind?”
- “It seems like homework has been frustrating. What assignments are you working on now?”
Avoid beginning questions with “why,” as this can make children feel defensive. Adolescents, in particular, may not be looking for solutions but rather for someone to listen. A simple check-in such as, “Do you want me to just listen, or would you like help with this?” can clarify what they need in the moment.
Know When to Seek Extra Support
If your child is uncomfortable sharing concerns with you, suggest they connect with a school social worker or counselor. Remind them they are not alone. And if stress continues to interfere with sleep, mood, or schoolwork, consider reaching out to a therapist or medical provider for additional guidance.
Josselyn clinicians are here to provide compassionate care for those who may need additional help. Get started here.
