6 Steps to a Smoother School Year for Everyone

The start of a new school year brings excitement, but it can also be overwhelming for families who are adjusting to new schedules, new friend groups, and new challenges. School-related stress happens, and when it does, it can show up as physical complaints or mental health concerns. How can you help your family succeed in the new school year? The Hancock Health Connection Center has six steps to get you started. With a little planning and preparation, you can set your family up for success and enjoy a smoother school year.

Step 1: Begin as you mean to go on

It’s tempting during the early weeks to let a few things slide. After all, it’s only August. What’s wrong with skipping the traditional homework hour and going out for ice cream instead? While we’re big fans of an occasional hot fudge sundae, we encourage families to pick a routine that works and stick to it. This routine can be different, depending on your family’s commitments and your student’s learning style. For instance, one child may flourish under a schedule where she comes home, has a healthy snack, and tackles all of her homework at once. Another child may need to have an hour of quiet time alone to relax after the school day. Experiment with different schedules to determine which one works for your family.

Step 2: Establish a strong home-school connection

Building a positive relationship with your child’s teachers is crucial. However, there’s a sweet spot between keeping the communication channels open and becoming a helicopter parent who tries to micromanage every classroom activity involving your child. Take advantage of established bridges between teachers and parents:

Attend parent-teacher conferences: These meetings provide valuable insights into your child’s progress and challenges.
Communicate regularly: Keep in touch with your child’s teacher through email, phone calls, or notes. If you want to have a deeper conversation, consider setting up a face-to-face meeting to discuss any concerns you might have.
Volunteer: Get involved in school activities to show your support and build relationships with other parents.

Step 3: Create a conducive learning environment at home

Have you ever tried to work at home while the television was blaring, the dog was barking, and you couldn’t find an empty space at the table? It’s not easy. Make sure children have a comfortable spot in the house. A dedicated study space can significantly impact your child’s focus and productivity:

Designate a quiet study area: This should be free from distractions like TV or loud noises.
Provide necessary supplies: Ensure your child has all the tools they need to complete their homework, like computer access and office supplies.
Put down the phones. Today’s phone technology can be handy when a student needs to look up a word in an online encyclopedia or figure out a math questions with a calculator app. But phones also hold the power to distract. Encourage your child to put down the phone – or at least put it into silent mode – during study time.

Step 4: Prioritize your family’s physical well-being

This step applies to everyone in the family, regardless of age. A healthy body and mind are essential for a successful school year. Stressful events are going to happen. Children may wake up late one morning and miss the school bus. New concepts may be difficult to grasp in the classroom. The beginning of the school year is also marked by colds and coughs, as students gather in smaller spaces and share their germs. Take steps now to keep your family as healthy as possible.

Encourage a balanced diet: Nutritious food fuels the brain and helps children concentrate.
Prioritize sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for cognitive function, physical health and emotional regulation.
Promote physical activity: Regular exercise helps reduce stress and improves mood.

Step 5: Make time for family

Balancing school and family life can be challenging, especially as you juggle conflicting schedules, test anxiety, and math problems that are beyond anything you ever learned when you were in school. Family time can be a welcome respite from the regular academic stressors.

Schedule family time: Dedicate specific time for family activities and bonding.
Limit screen time: Encourage outdoor activities and face-to-face interactions.
Be present: Give your child your undivided attention when you’re together. This is not a time for multi-tasking.

Step 6: Seek help if you need it

The challenges of daily life can have a lasting impact on your family. Not everyone comes from a happy home, and struggles with food insecurity, mental health, or substance misuse can affect every person in the household, not just the individual who is struggling. The Hancock Health Connection Center works to connect people with community resources that meet their social and behavioral health needs. Our trained support navigators are plugged into the local Hancock County community and serve as a hub for valuable community resources.

Here at the Hancock Health Connection Center, we’re wishing everyone a healthy and exciting school year. If you’re looking for help navigating the available resources, or you’re struggling and not sure where to start, reach out to the Connection Center now at 317-468-4231.