More than School Supplies
August Message of the Month
As August arrives, so does the all familiar back-to-school scramble. Store aisles crowd with parents clutching crumpled supply lists searching high and low for that one specific item. Where are the college ruled notebooks? Why are there no RED folders left?
Preparing for a new school year can feel like a race to check all the boxes before the bus even pulls up on day one. But there are crucial items that won’t be included on any lists sent out by schools… even if educators wish they could.
Coping Skills
Stress is a normal part of growing up, but many children and teens are not taught what to do when they feel overwhelmed. Whether it's a difficult assignment, friendship conflict, or first-day jitters, having healthy coping skills can make all the difference.
Encourage your child to discover strategies that work for them. Taking deep breaths before a test, going for a walk after school, listening to music, drawing, journaling, spending time outside, or talking with a trusted adult are all healthy ways to manage stress.
Self-Compassion
Many students place enormous pressure on themselves to earn perfect grades, make the team, fit in socially, or always have everything figured out. When they fall short of those expectations, it's easy for self-criticism to take over.
Help children understand that challenges are part of learning—not proof that they've failed. Self-compassion means offering ourselves the same patience, understanding, and encouragement we would give to someone we love.
Healthy Sleeping Habits
Sleep is one of the most important and most overlooked tools for supporting mental wellness. As summer winds down, begin adjusting bedtime and wake-up routines a week or two before school starts, as well as limiting screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 8 to 10 hours a night for teens and 9 to 12 for school-aged children.
Healthy Screen Habits
Technology is a valuable tool, but finding balance is important for mental well-being. Too much screen time, especially before bed or on social media, can interfere with sleep, increase stress, and make it harder to stay present. Recommendations are no more than 2 hours per day for children over 6 but more importantly, consider the quality of the content instead of the time. Turn off all screens during meals and remove them from bedrooms 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.
Create screen-free moments throughout the day by cooking or eating meals together, spending time outside, reading, playing games, or simply talking about the day. Even small breaks from technology can help children reconnect with the world around them.
New Experiences
Seek out opportunities for children and teens to experience a situation that is out of their comfort zone. Show them that leaning into new adventures can help them grow and discover new hobbies and interests. If you don’t try, you’ll never know!
Remember, the most helpful back-to-school supplies can’t be bought in a store but they are just as important as notebooks, backpacks, and pencils; they set up students for a more successful ability to navigate and recover from challenging situations, build healthy relationships and habits, and succeed both inside the classroom and out.
