Prioritizing Mental Health This School Year

As a counselor and a mom, I know how quickly the school year can become a blur of drop-offs, homework, packed lunches, sports practices, and never-ending to-do lists. As we try to juggle everything, it can be easy to lose sight of our mental health — our kids’ and our own.

As we head into a new school year, let's focus on what really matters and prioritize mental and emotional well-being. Instead of waiting for problems to arise, we can build habits and systems that support emotional well-being every day.

Why Mental Health Needs to Be a Priority

Mental health is not separate from academic success or social development. It actually sets the foundation for them. When children feel safe, supported, and emotionally regulated, they are more likely to thrive in the classroom, build positive relationships, and demonstrate resilience when dealing with challenges.

We often talk about mental health in moments of crisis - when anxiety is high, when a child refuses to go to school, or when burnout takes over. Instead of waiting for problems to arise, we can focus on strengthening mental health every day. And it is not just about the kids. Parents, caregivers, and educators all carry mental loads that deserve attention and care.

5 Ways to Prioritize Mental Health This School Year

1. Normalize Mental Health Conversations

Make feelings part of everyday conversations. You can ask questions at dinner or have a quiet chat at bedtime. Simple questions, such as “What made you feel proud today?” or "What made you laugh today?" can open the door to conversations about emotions and help children develop comfort talking about them. You can also build consistency by having a daily check-in such as doing a quick “high, low, buffalo” at dinner — what was the best part, the hardest part, and something fun or unexpected. This opens the door for your child to talk freely when something really hard comes up later.

2. Protect Downtime

Just like adults, kids need downtime to rest, recharge, and process their experiences. When their schedules are packed with activities, schoolwork, and commitments, it can lead to exhaustion and emotional burnout. Children who are constantly on the go may appear irritable, anxious, or worn out. It is okay to say no to a club, sport, or after-school obligation.

Protecting evenings and weekends for unstructured time allows space for family connection, imaginative play, or even good old-fashioned boredom. These quiet moments give a child's brain the breathing room they need to grow, reflect, and regulate emotions. Often these slower and unscheduled times can lead to creativity and meaningful connection.

3. Watch for Signs of Stress

The back-to-school transition can trigger a wide range of emotions, including excitement, nervousness, overwhelm, or even fear. While some stress is normal, it is important to stay attuned to your child and notice any signs that they might be having a harder time than they are verbalizing. Some signs a child might be struggling include:

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Irritability or outbursts

• Avoiding school or social situations

• Frequent physical complaints, such as headaches or stomachaches

Do not wait for things to escalate. Early support can make a huge difference in helping a child feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive.

4. Practice (and Model) Coping Skills

Big emotions are a normal part of growing up. Children often need help learning how to manage their emotions in healthy ways. Teaching your child a few simple coping strategies can give them confidence to navigate stressful moments both at home and at school. Here are some simple tools to try:

• Deep breathing - helps calm the nervous system and refocus attention

• Counting to 10 - gives the brain a moment to pause before reacting

• Movement or stretching - can release pent-up energy and tension

• Journaling or drawing - offers a creative outlet for thoughts and feelings that might be hard to put into words

• Asking for a break or help - sometimes we need support from others

The goal isn’t to avoid stress altogether, but to help kids learn practical ways to move through situations with support and self-awareness. Remember to model them yourself. Kids are always watching how we handle stress.

5. Engage in Counseling When You Need It

Counseling is not just a last resort — it is a proactive, powerful way to support your child’s emotional development. Just as you wouldn’t wait for a toothache to become unbearable before seeing a dentist, you don’t have to wait for a crisis to reach out for mental health support. Counseling can help children build emotional resilience, learn healthy coping skills, and better understand themselves and their feelings. It is also a helpful space to navigate everyday challenges, like school stress, changing friendships, or big life transitions. A trained counselor can guide your child in managing anxiety, working through frustration, and building self-esteem and confidence in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. For many children, counseling becomes a space where they feel truly heard and supported. Reaching out for help isn’t a sign that you have failed — it is a sign that you care enough to get your child the tools they need to thrive.

Final Thoughts: Let This Be the Year…

Let this be the year where emotional check-ins matter more than test scores.

Let this be the year we listen more than we fix.

Let this be the year we model calm, connection, and compassion.

Prioritizing mental health lays the groundwork for success in every area of life.

Here’s to a school year filled with growth, grace, and grounded confidence.

If your child is struggling, or if you are a parent feeling overwhelmed yourself, please know that you are not alone. Our team is here to walk alongside you with support, tools, and hope. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.