Back-to-School Timeline: Mental Health for All Members of the Family

As summer winds down and the school year approaches, it’s important to address the mental health needs of every family member to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a comprehensive timeline to help you prepare emotionally and practically for the new school year.

2 Weeks Before School Starts

Prioritize Your Values

Start by reflecting on what your family values most. Understanding these core values will help shape the routines and schedules you’ll establish for the upcoming school year. Ask yourself:

• What does your family value most in daily life? (e.g., quality time together, personal development, health)
• Who or what needs more attention as the fall approaches? (e.g., work-life balance, academic support)
• What do the adults in the family need to maintain their well-being and efficiency?

Based on these reflections, create routines and schedules that align with these values. This might include setting aside time for family meals, personal development activities, or regular check-ins to ensure everyone feels supported.

Review and Rethink Routines

Take a look back at last year’s routines and assess their effectiveness. Consider:

• What routines worked well, and which ones didn’t? (e.g., bedtime routines, morning preparations)
• How can you increase your child’s independence and responsibility this year? (e.g., allowing them to manage their own homework time)
• How can you reduce screen time and encourage more free play? (e.g., setting specific times for screen use, creating opportunities for outdoor activities)
• What can you schedule regularly to minimize coordination? (e.g., weekly meal planning, fixed family activity times)

Link responsibilities to fun to make them more appealing. For instance, allow phone use only after checking their planner and completing homework.

Simple Screen Time Rules

Establish clear rules for screen time to prevent conflicts and distractions:

• Phones should be placed on a charging station when not in use.
• Set specific screen time windows, such as 15 minutes after school.
• Use screens only after other responsibilities are completed.
• No phones in the bedroom, at meals, or during short car rides.
• Implement a family phone-free hour (e.g., 30 minutes after dinner starts).

Week Before the First Day of School

Talk About What to Expect and Create Routines

Begin discussions about the upcoming school year only when your child brings it up or when it’s relevant. Schedule specific times to talk about the school year (e.g., “Let’s discuss the school year tomorrow at 7:00”).

Introduce and practice new daily routines, and be open to feedback. Use tools like checklists, charts, or hourly schedules if needed to help your child feel organized. Creating a monthly calendar can help them feel more in control and oriented to time.

Talk About Feelings

Engage in conversations about feelings to address any anxieties or excitements your child may have:

• Ask them what they are excited or nervous about regarding the new school year.
• Find out how you can support them best.
• Validate all feelings they express.
• Share your own mixed feelings about the transition to normalize the experience.
• Discuss what aspects of their routine will remain the same and what will be different from summer.

Help Them Feel More Comfortable

If your child is particularly anxious, consider:

• Bringing them to school to meet their teacher beforehand.
• Scheduling playdates with classmates to help them feel more connected.

Plan Extra Time for Each Transition

Acknowledge that transitions may take longer than expected due to potential meltdowns or the need to teach new routines. Allow extra time to adjust and adapt.

First Week of School

Take Care of Yourself

Ensure you are managing your own stress so you can be fully present for your child. This might involve:

• Maintaining your own self-care routines.
• Being present and minimizing distractions (e.g., putting your phone away).

Stick to Your Newly Established Routines

Adhere to the routines you’ve set up, but be flexible to avoid power struggles. Consistency is key, but it’s also important to adjust as needed based on your child’s response.

Validate Your Child’s Feelings

Continue to empathize and validate your child’s feelings throughout the first week of school. Acknowledge their experiences and support them through any challenges.

By following this timeline, you can help ensure a smoother transition back to school for every member of your family, addressing both practical needs and emotional well-being.