A new school year brings new experiences, new friendships and new opportunities to grow. It can also bring uncertainty, stress or mixed emotions. Staying connected with your child through these changes is one of the best ways to support their mental health.
Reconnect before the first day
- Spend a few minutes each day talking, playing or doing something together.
- Ask: “What are you looking forward to?” and “What are you worried about?”
Get back into routines
- Slowly adjust bedtime and wake-up times.
- Create predictable routines for mornings, homework, and downtime.
Talk about feelings
- Remind your child that nervous, excited, worried, or unsure feelings are normal.
- Help them name their emotions and talk through them.
Practice problem-solving
- Ask: “What could you do if something feels hard?”
- Help your child think through challenges before they happen.
Set expectations together
- Talk about family routines, responsibilities, screen time, and goals for the school year.
- Give your child a chance to share their thoughts.
Build confidence
- Notice effort, kindness and growth—not just achievements.
- Remind them: “You can handle hard things.”
Create a support plan
- Talk about who your child can go to when they need help (parent, teacher, counselor, trusted adult).
- Make sure they know asking for help is a strength.
Check in regularly
Try asking:
- “What was the best part of your day?”
- “What was something that was challenging?”
- “Is there anything you want to talk about?”
Encourage healthy habits
- Prioritize sleep, movement, nutritious meals and time away from screens.
- Model healthy ways to handle stress.
Keep the conversation going
- Remember: small talks lead to big talks.
- Your child doesn’t need a perfect parent—they need a present one.