How to Support Your Child’s Social-Emotional Health

This tip sheet is also available as a downloadable PDF in multiple languages on Colorín Colorado.

1. Check in with your child.

You can ask:

• How do you feel about going back to school?
• Is anything worrying you?
• What was a fun or hard part of today?
• Is anyone teasing or bullying you?
• Do you have any questions for me?

2. Keep track of how your child is doing.

Pay attention to your child's:

• moods
• feelings
• behaviors
• attitudes about school

If you see changes or have questions, talk with your child’s teacher or doctor about what you notice.

3. Create a new routine together.

Talk about how to stay healthy through:

• sleep and exercise
• good nutrition and hydration
• managing screen time

4. Encourage your child by:

• staying calm and supportive
• helping your child name their emotions
• focusing on positive things
• sharing why your child is special
• talking about why you are proud of your child
• drawing and writing together

5. Help your child address anxiety about safety and uncertainty.

If your child is anxious about safety or returning to remote learning:

• listen to their concerns
• share safety steps they can take
• answer their questions honestly
• confirm that there is still uncertainty around this school year
• share the information you do have.

6. Help your child address anxiety about separation.

If your child is anxious about separation from you:

• listen to their concerns
• practice short times apart
• create a good-bye routine
• send them a special note or photo in their backpack
• assure them you will miss them too.

7. If you need more support, look for it!

You can find out how to:

• contact school counselors or psychologists
• find resources to address stress, anxiety, trauma, or abuse
• connect with other families.

8. Share important information with the teacher about your child.

Tell the teacher about your child's:

• strengths and challenges
• ways of dealing with stress
• questions and concerns
• interests and talents.

Notes:

• You have a legal right to information in your home language from your school.
• Tell the school the best way to contact you and if your contact information changes.

References

Back-to-School Anxiety During COVID-19 (Child Mind Institute)

Source: This article originally appeared on Colorín Colorado and is reprinted with permission.