As the end of the school year approaches, so does the end-of-school stress. Your children may be stressed about tests or grades, saying goodbye to friends, getting ready for college, and everything in between. Here are some ways that you as a parent can help your children manage that stress.
Ways to Help Your Children Manage End-of-School-Year Stress
- Be their cheerleader. Support and encourage your children in their schoolwork. Show genuine interest in what they’re learning. Provide them with supplies they might need for tests and end-of-the-year projects. Always offer an encouraging word.
- Create a schedule. Having a set schedule or routine could take some stress off your children and help them better manage their time. Come up with a schedule together that includes a balance of study time, downtime (such as participating in activities they enjoy, socializing with friends, etc.), and family time. The key here is not to over-schedule.
- Ask questions that align with your family’s definition of success. If you only ask your children what grade they got on a test or in a class, they will believe that grades matter most. If that isn’t your family’s definition of success, try asking questions such as “What did you learn today?,” “What did you do with your friends?,” or “How do you feel about your day? Why?”
- Show unconditional support and love. Through your actions and your words, let your children know that they are loved no matter what.
Though stress in school is normal, especially as the school year wraps up, take action if you suspect your children may be overstressed or if their stress is causing depression or other mental illnesses.
This blog was written by Hope Squad. Hope Squad student members are trained to be aware of their peers and watch for warning signs. They learn to show empathy to their peers, listen without judgment, and reduce stigma regarding help-seeking and mental illness. Hope Squads are now in over 1,200 schools across 35 states and Canada. During the seventeen years since Timpview High School started a Hope Squad, the school has not lost a student to suicide. And as Hope Squad grows, we will continue to spread hope and save more lives. Learn more by visiting https://hopesquad.com/.
