Back to School & Mental Health: How to Set Students Up for Success

As summer winds down and backpacks are filled with fresh supplies, it's easy to focus on school shopping, schedules, and bus routes. But one essential part of preparing for the school year is often overlooked, mental health.

Whether your child is starting kindergarten, entering middle school, or gearing up for high school, the back-to-school transition can bring excitement and emotional challenges. Here’s how parents can help their children navigate this important time with mental wellness in mind.

1. Acknowledge the Emotional Shift

Even positive changes can be stressful. Talk to your child about their feelings, nervousness, excitement, or worry are all normal. Creating space for open conversation helps them feel seen and supported.

2. Establish Predictable Routines

Predictability helps reduce anxiety. Try to reintroduce school-year routines gradually: bedtime, screen limits, and morning rituals can help ease the transition.

3. Watch for Emotional or Behavioral Shifts

Look for signs that your child may be struggling:

• Frequent headaches or stomachaches

• Changes in appetite or sleep

• School refusal or increased irritability

These could be signs that they need extra support.

4. Normalize Seeking Help

Mental health support isn't a last resort; it's proactive care. Therapy can help children and teens build resilience, develop coping tools, and feel more confident navigating challenges inside and outside of school.

💬 We're Here to Help

At Resilient Minds of Georgia, we specialize in helping kids and teens grow emotionally strong, confident, and equipped to handle life's ups and downs.

🧒 Ages 5+
📆 After-school & flexible appointment options
🧑‍💻 Virtual and in-person availability
📍 Georgia Medicaid + major insurance plans accepted

Let’s build a strong foundation for your child’s school year, starting with their mental health.