By Heather Rotan MS, LPC, HR
It’s August which means kids are headed back to school! The start of a new school year is welcome for many parents after a long summer at home but for others, preparing a child to go back to school can be anxiety-inducing, worrying what your student may have to face this year.
If you feel like school is a more stressful experience for your child than it was for you as a student, you’re not alone. Bullying is more prevalent, kids’ behaviors have gotten worse, and classrooms are overcrowded and led by teachers who are more burned out and exhausted than ever before. It can feel daunting as a parent knowing just how to support your child through the challenges of adolescence. You may be surprised to hear that your student’s ability to navigate hard times can be bolstered before they even get on the school bus!
Multiple research studies have been conducted on the connection between self-confidence and stress tolerance. One study done at Syracuse University found that people with chronic illnesses reported worse symptoms during bouts of low self-esteem. The lower self-esteem a person had, the more negative experiences they reported and the worse they seemed to feel. The study helpfully defines self-esteem as, “An individual’s self-perception of his/her abilities, skills, and overall qualities that guides and/or motivates specific cognitive processes and behaviors.”
So, the question is: what’s the best way that parents can help their kids battle the stress of school and social settings? The answer: By building them up! Some practical applications include compliments for effort, telling them what you think they do well, speaking positive affirmations to them, teaching them skills rather than just doing things for them or expecting them to figure it out on their own, and enrolling them in extracurricular activities that they enjoy. It’s easy as a parent to focus on the negative aspects of our children that we want to see improve, but the best way to help our kids is to intentionally communicate encouragement as they deal with the stress of life.
On behalf of everyone at Samaritan, have a great school year!
If you or a loved one need help navigating through the pain of trauma, abuse, or any other mental health struggle contact us at Samaritan Center. We offer counseling and psychiatric services. Visit samaritanccwtx.org or call (432) 563-4144.
