PAWS For Mental Health Awareness
A PCS NEWSLETTER Sept/Oct 2022
Welcome to the First Issue
Mental Health often gets a bad name; when mental health is something that we all have. It effects how we feel, think and act. Its how we handle stress and relate to others. Having a healthy positive mental health status helps our students to become successful academically and socially. We have a wonderful group of School Counselors, who can assist you with finding resources, if needed.
Getting Back Into the Swing of Things
The 2022-2023 school year is off to a great start. It’s a great time to reinforce or set up a school success plan. What does a school success plan look like? Here are some tips.
- Routines are very important and decrease stress. Have a morning routine and an afternoon routine. Make sure your child knows what to expect and their responsibilities.
- There should be a specific time for homework, family fun, bathing and bedtime.
- Teach time management as well as study skills to your child
- Send your child to school ready to learn- make sure they eat breakfast at home or school as well as making sure they have had the correct amount of sleep. Both of these smalls steps help with concentration and mood.
- Get involved. Make sure you attend the school's open house, meet the teacher or volunteer. Check out your school’s website to see how you can get involved. It’s a good way to let your child know that you are interested in their education and that you support the school. Positive school environments promote academic and social growth.
- School attendance is important. Missing school days will often add up fast. Absences hurt students in different ways. Younger age students have the risk of being below grade level in reading when chronically absent. Increase number of drop out are seen in the middle and high school students who are chronically absent.
- Communication - Make time to talk with your child every day. This communicates to your child that you care about what’s going on with them and it’s important to you. It also helps teach your child positive listening skills and how to respond.
Anxiety
WOW, It’s hard to believe that we have been in school for a month now. Schedules should be finalized by now and students are back into the routine of going to school. First day jitters have become a memory of the past. However, now is also the time that we may start to notice some anxiety. Anxiety is a normal emotion. It helps us cope with daily challenges as well as avoid dangerous situations. Most of us have a little anxiety when doing a presentation, meeting new people or taking a test. Our bodies usually return to normal once the event is over and we feel better. However, anxiety becomes a problem when it stops your child from enjoying everyday life and affects their school, family and social relationships.
Symptoms of Anxiety
· Difficulty concentrating
· Struggles going to sleep or staying asleep
· Changes in eating habits
· Irritable and quick to anger
· Constantly worrying or having negative thoughts
· Tense feelings
· Headaches or stomach aches
· Tearfulness or Crying spells
· Isolation
· School refusal
How to help your child
· Talk to your child about what they are feeling
· Reassure them that you understand
· Routine is important and takes the guessing out of what to expect next
· Encourage good eating habits - cutting down on caffeine and sugars
· Encourage a good bedtime routine - relaxing activity before bed versus screen time
· Physical activities to help with pinned up energy - exercise, family bike rides or walking around the neighborhood
· Relaxation activities - listening to music or breathing exercises
It's a good idea to seek professional help when anxiety is constant and it is affecting school, family life and friends. If you have concerns about your child’s mental health and need assistance finding resources, contact your school’s counselor or district mental health coordinator.
Pelham City Schools
Email: dbrinson@pelhamcityschools.org
Website: pelhamcityschools.org
Location: 3160 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, AL, USA
Phone: 205 624-3700