It’s hard to believe that we’re already at the start of a new school year. This is a time of excitement for both parents and kids. It’s also a good time to check on how everyone is feeling. While there’s much to look forward to, a new school year can come with mixed emotions. Some may feel anxiety or even sadness. There are steps everyone can take to prepare their emotional health.
Let’s take a look at four tips to help navigate back-to-school time and support your family’s well-being.
Have conversations:
- Encourage your kids to talk about their feelings. Sharing emotions can be a helpful way to cope. Make sure your family knows they can share anything without judgment. Make it a habit to check in with your child daily. Simple questions about their day can lead to deeper conversations. And don’t forget to check on yourself. Journaling or talking to your partner are healthy ways to express feelings.
- Friendships are also key for emotional health. Friends can give support during both good and hard times. Make sure your child has positive social connections. After-school activities can create a sense of belonging and community. So, be sure to talk to your child about their interests.
Set routines:
- A routine can provide a sense of security. Set regular times for homework, meals and bedtime. Also, make time to relax, enjoy hobbies and reduce screentime. Simple tools like a calendar or agenda can help keep your family organized.
- There are simple steps you can take to better your mental health. Make it a goal to get a good night’s sleep. Rest is needed to have a clear and healthy mind ready to learn new things. Healthy eating habits and exercise are also important. Start with small steps. Begin by making a healthy afterschool snack for everyone to enjoy.
Watch for changes:
- Look for changes in your child’s behavior. Withdrawal or irritability often indicate that something might be wrong. You may also notice changes in eating or sleeping patterns. All of these changes can be signs of distress. A sudden drop in grades or loss of interest in friends or activities could also be warning signs.
- Teach your children healthy ways to manage stress. There are many tools and strategies to use. Deep breathing exercises, journaling or exercise can help. You can support them in developing problem-solving skills, too. Discuss challenges and possible solutions together. The earlier children learn to manage stress, the better prepared they will be.
Seek help:
- We’re also here to help. Aetna offers free fitness and weight management tools for eligible members. You can get a voucher for monthly memberships at participating gyms. Ages 13 and up can receive a digital membership. Ages 18 and up can receive a digital or in-person membership.
- Schools and local community organizations have many resources to support you and your family’s mental health, too. Make sure to find out if your child’s school has a counselor or social worker. If your child shows signs of significant distress, seek professional help. Early intervention can make a big difference.
- Our Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program helps you and your loved ones 21 years or younger get care. It covers preventive health and wellness visits — like doctor and dentist appointments — at no cost to you. The program also covers many treatments of any problems found during a visit. Learn more on our What’s covered page.
Preparing for school includes getting your child’s mental health ready for the excitement ahead. By having conversations, setting routines, watching for changes and seeking help, you can set your family up for a successful school year.
Take some stress off your plate, too. Back-to-school shopping is stressful. Join us as we host several Back-to-School Health and Resource Fairs this month to provide children with backpacks, pencils, notebooks, folders, pencil cases and more. Check out our News and events page to find us in your neighborhood. As a member, your child could also qualify for clothes for school at no cost to you. Eligible members in grades K through 12 (ages 5 through 18) can get a voucher for clothing through select online retailers. Call Member Services at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY:711) or visit our What’s covered page to learn more.
And if you have a question about your child's health, we can help. You can talk to a nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is at no extra cost to you. Call the 24-Hour Nurse Line at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY:711) to connect with a registered nurse.
Let’s make this school year a positive and healthy experience for all!