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Health & Fitness

Back to School - Are You Ready?

The new school year is about to kick off.  It's time to say good-bye to summer and family vacations, to welcome in the hectic days of fall and the start of school.  Are you and your kids ready?

Here are a few "Back to School Tips" suggested by Mental Health America to help you and your kids stay stress free, and enjoy a good school year.

  • Establish a "back to school" routine two weeks before school starts to minimize stress and help with the transition.
  • Remember - healthy food and good quality sleep are necessary for academic success.
  • Make sure you go over important school information.  Do your kids know the names of their teacher and where the classroom is  Visit the school and , if that is not an option, visit the website.
  • Do your kids have the supplies they need?  This includes a back pack that fits well.
  • Talk to your kids about your expectations as well as theirs for school.  Listen.  Are they worried about anything?  Be encouraging, school should be fun and something to look forward to.
Once school starts, it's important to stay involved in your child's education.  Be engaged with school staff and attend school functions.  Take the time to talk with your kids and hear what is going on at school.  Children whose parents are more involved tend to do better academically, are better adjusted and less likely to drop out.

If you feel that your child or teen is having a difficult year, remember help is available.  Speak to their teacher and school staff.  Talk with your pediatrician to learn what you can do as a parent.  And, if you need further assistance, speak with a mental health professional.

In Essex County, FAMILYConnections offers mental health counseling and other therapies for children and families.  We also operate four school based youth services programs offering on-site mental health counseling, life skills training, prevention programming, academic support and afterschool enrichment.  To learn more, please visit  http://familyconnectionsnj.org/
or call (973) 675-3817.

Let the school bell ring!!
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