Fort Worth, TX,
12
August
2024
|
15:33 PM
America/Chicago

Conquer the Classroom: Cook Children’s Psychiatrists Share Back-to-School Advice for Students, Parents

By Rachel Hatcher

Whether you’re a younger kid starting kindergarten or a teenager starting high school, going back to school can create a lot of feelings. We asked Kia Carter, M.D., co-medical director of Inpatient and Consultation Liaison Psychiatric Services and Kristen Pyrc, M.D., medical director of Psychiatry Outpatient Services and the Partial Hospitalization Program at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth, about how they talk to their own children when it is time to go back to school. They approached the subject from different perspectives because their children are different ages. Their back to school tips for parents cover all the bases, and we are thankful for their expertise and personal experiences as mothers! Dr Pyrc family

Dr. Pyrc’s Back to School Tips for Young Kids:

  • Little kids want to be big so badly, so parents should play up just how big they are going to be at their new school and all the fun things they can do when they get there.
  • Read the book The Invisible String together, and remind your kiddo that you are always connected even when you’re not together.
  • Tag in an older sibling or friend if you can! They can give the best advice and pep talks!
  • If they are scared (which is totally normal), ask them what makes them worried. It may be the expected things like “Will I get lost? What if no one likes me?” or it could be something totally off the wall that an adult would never think of like “Who’s going to pet the dog when I’m at school?”
  • Make drop-off short and sweet. Elementary school teachers are masters of distraction and comfort. I would give a quick hug and let the teacher work their magic.
  • Kids look to us to know how to respond in new situations. Even if your mind is racing with worry, it’s important to put on a brave, reassuring face to set them up for success. You got this!

Dr. Carter’s Back to School Tips for Older Kids/Teenagers Addressing Anxiety: Dr Carter

  • I encourage all teens to attend the school’s scheduled pickup/orientation as this is a way to decrease anxiety as they are able to see the school, walk their schedule and even see old friends which will help with those first day jitters when navigating such a big school. Also, you may see your old friends at these events which will help with that anxiety about reintegrating with old friends.
  • Encourage teens, especially those new to a school, to join a club/afterschool organization to just get involved – this is an easy way to make new friends, provides outside engagement and even creates new hobbies/activities to keep kids busy. They may actually end up loving it. High schools have so many clubs, so most kids can find at least one extracurricular activity.
  • Most middle/high school kids don’t want parents to be involved in drop off/make a big deal like we do in elementary school. As parents, we can support our teens differently like the night before or morning of – sitting down for a back to school dinner, eating first day of school breakfast with your teen a couple of minutes early, or reviewing their schedule with them the night before. This just provides some time to connect with your child in a space that is focused on something casual, while also providing the opportunity to talk about any first day anxieties and provide reassurance. back to school-3
  • Mostly teens worry about who they will walk the halls with, or who they will sit at lunch with, and so I would encourage teens when this is a worry – if your child has friends in their class, maybe try asking their friends if they can walk to the next class or walk to lunch together. Another tip is to try looking for familiar faces when walking the halls, or at lunch, because most likely other kids are also feeling the same way and don’t want to sit or eat alone.