Is your child’s school year off to a good start?

The first few days and weeks of the school year are a lot. Kids at every age and stage are just trying to hold themselves together in the best way they know how. 

In this article we’ll share:

• Our top tip for supporting your student
  

• Ideas to help you support preschoolers
  

• Two tips to help you support elementary schoolers
  

• Ways to help you support middle schoolers
  

• Ideas to help you support high schoolers

Preschoolers might need more sleep, comfort meals, and quiet time. For kids in elementary school, trying to find a balance between homework, friends, and rest can be a struggle. 

Middle schoolers are trying to find their place — while balancing schoolwork, social activities, and downtime.

And while high schoolers seem more and more grown up these days, teenagers are still just kids trying to find their way. They’re balancing a heavy academic load, responsibilities at home, part-time jobs or internships, social media, relationships, and activities.

You know your child so well. But how can you tell if they are feeling left out, having a hard time fitting in, or spending enough time tending to their own mental health? 

Here is our top tip — no matter what age or stage your child or teen is in:

Make their teacher your partner

Your child’s teacher is your eyes and ears while your child is in school. Checking in with them isn’t a burden — the more aligned you are, the more supported your child will feel both at home and in class. Send check-in emails or schedule occasional in-person time to chat (bring coffee!).

And now, we’ve got two more tips for every age and stage that you can use to check in, decode behaviors, and support your child or teenager as the year progresses.

Preschool

1. Understand that behavior is communication
   Keep an eye on your child’s demeanor as the days turn into weeks. Do they wake up excited to eat and get ready to go? Do they seem sad, hesitant, or worried? Watch for uncharacteristic behavior and use it as your cue to find extra opportunities to support, soothe, or talk through worries.

1. Keep the feelings conversation going
   Before school, remind them of something to look forward to like seeing a friend or a playdate. Afterwards (and maybe after a snack or nap), ask a few specific questions about books or friends. Listen attentively and remember that hurt feelings, snails, and soggy sandwiches are all a big deal.

Elementary school

1. Keep structure in place
   Sometimes, in an effort to grow independence, too much freedom can lead to an emotional or academic spinout. Try to keep things like schedules, meals, and bedtimes steady. That way, they know what to expect (and rely on), which balances all the changes they don’t have control over.

1. Stay involved with their social life
   Along with making new friends, kids at this age and stage might also get their first taste of bullying and being left out (or left behind by old peers). Stay in tune with their social and text feed (if they have access), watch moods, and ask casual, curious questions about who and what they’re into. 

Middle school

1. Reduce overwhelm and fill free time
   A few weeks in, you’ll have a good sense of whether your child is finding enough time to keep their classes, assignments, and after-school activities straight. Talk about what kind of system might make it easier or harder to find a groove. Notice overwhelm or where there is too much free time. 

1. Be curious about who your child is becoming
   Kids at this age and stage are discovering who they are, what they believe, and where they belong. Things like coming out, holding emotions in, and feeling pushed away from friends can feel heavy. Observe mood patterns. Talk about feelings. Be a safe space. And surround them with support. 

High school

1. Reduce overwhelm and encourage being present
   A few weeks in, your teen will likely have a good sense of their classes, assignments, and after-school activities. Observe mood patterns, how much time they’re spending alone, and whether social media is a boost or burden. Help them find balance, unplugged time, and rest.

Be their safe space and offer support
Teenagers are discovering who they are, what they believe, and where they belong. Life around them (and the thoughts in their head) can get heavy fast. Make your home a comfort zone. Notice their demeanor. Talk openly about their feelings and thoughts to catch/consider unhelpful patterns.