My name is Jennifer Bishop. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with offices in Boca Raton and Virtually. I specialize in working with children ages 3 to 16 and with Adults on wellness and healing to live their life’s purpose.

Going Back To School Can Take A Toll On The Whole Family

Going back to school can be a time of stress for both children and parents as new routines are created and need time to be adjusted to. Children with mental health or emotional health needs can have additional anxieties when learning new routines. Being prepared ahead of time can ease some of the anxieties and difficulties at the beginning of the year. If your child has a mental health condition, are you both ready for school?

Preparing For Back To School

Providing support and guidance to a child with a mental or emotional condition is a critical part of their success. As a parent, it is important that you work towards providing your child with the best school environment that is possible. To do so, it is important to be prepared for the upcoming school year.

8-Point Back To School Checklist

Here is an 8-point Checklist to help you and your child be prepared for this school year!

1. Make sure your child’s IEP (Individual Education Program) is updated, and all the modifications and accommodations are in an easy-to-reference place for all to see
2. You have communicated with the regular teacher, special education teacher, principal, guidance counselor, therapist, and anyone else in your child’s regular routine so they are aware of their needs and accommodations and that they have an opportunity to share any concerns and ask any questions.
3. Ensure your child has the opportunity to participate in a social activity, such as an after school sport or artistic activity.
4. You have talked to your child about bullying so that they can speak up if they get bullied and are aware of how to not bully their peers
5. Talk to your child about how they wish to share about their mental health condition so that they feel comfortable explaining to adults and/or peers how they may different from others.
6. Talk to your child about a strategy for “bad days” (for when they may need to stay home, when they should go to the nurse’s office, etc) and you have communicated this strategy to all the collaterals involved.
7. You have introduced yourself to your child’s teachers, to make sure the teachers are aware of how your child’s condition might manifest itself in the classroom and different settings, that they are on board with the IEP and that they have an opportunity to express and share with you.
8. If your child takes any medications during the day, you have made sure your child knows where to go to take it, have completed the necessary paperwork, that a trusted adult in the school is aware and that the school personnel are aware of any potential side effects of the medication

If your child has a mental health condition, contact us to see how child therapy can help ease the back to school transition.