Back-to-School Mental Health Tips: How to Support Your Child’s Well-Being

By Yajaira Fulgencio, MSW, LSW

With the new year starting, many families focus on shopping lists, supplies, and schedules—but your child’s mental health and emotional well-being is just as important. Going back to school can bring a mix of excitement, nervousness, and uncertainty. To help ease the transition, here are some key strategies parents and caregivers can use to support their child’s mental health before and during the school year.

1.  Open Communication

Start checking in with your child regularly. Ask open-ended questions like:

• “How are you feeling about being back to school?”

• “What are you enjoying about school? What are you worried about?”

Creating a habit of talking about feelings helps your child feel safe and supported. Setting aside just 5–10 minutes at the end of the day for these conversations can build trust and emotional awareness over time.

2.   Establishing Routines

Routine brings comfort, especially during times of change. Make sure that your child’s bedtime and wake-up times match with school hours and that your child is getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night.

You can also discuss school-related routines like:

• Setting aside time for reading or light homework

• Planning lunch or snacks together

• Discuss drop-off and pick-up procedures

When routines are established can help reduce anxiety.

3. Create a Safe Emotional Environment at Home

School can bring challenges—social pressure, academic stress, or even bullying. Let your child know that home is their safe space. Having a supportive and understanding environment that begins at home can make a huge difference in their emotional well-being and academic success.

Encourage healthy habits like:

• Taking breaks when overwhelmed

• Engaging in physical activity or hobbies to de-stress

Final Thoughts: Be Present, Patient, Listen, and Ask questions

Every child experience back-to-school season differently. By prioritizing their mental health, establishing open communication, and emphasizing routines, you’re laying a foundation for a smoother, healthier school year.

Remember: Your presence, patience, and understanding can be your child’s most powerful support system.

Our team at the IWS Children’s Clinic is here to help you through difficult transitions. Please reach out to our Behavioral Health Director with any questions.

About Yajaira:

Yajaira is a bilingual social work professional with extensive experience supporting families, youth, and communities. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Dominican University and a Bachelor’s in Social Work with a minor in Spanish from Northeastern Illinois University.

Her career includes roles at Nexus-FACTS Family Healing, where she provided intensive, in-home systemic family therapy for children and adolescents, and at Catholic Charities of Chicago, where she supported Head Start families with mental health, education, and social services. Yajaira has also served as a clinical intern with Heartland Alliance and the Association House of Chicago, gaining hands-on experience in assessments, case management, and life skills facilitation.

Dedicated to advancing well-being in diverse communities, Yajaira is certified in Mental Health First Aid. She has also led parent workshops such as Abriendo Puertas, the nation’s first evidence-based training program created by and for Latino parents.

With her background in social work, bilingual skills, and passion for community empowerment, Yajaira brings a compassionate and collaborative approach to supporting families and fostering growth in her current role as Behavioral Health Director at IWS Children’s Clinic.