Put mental health on the back-to-school checklist as students prepare for return to classroom

By Dr. Mary Shea

University of Kentucky

Back to school is a busy time for everyone with lots of items on the checklist – school supplies, sports physicals, plan for after school care – and more.

Another important item to check off is a mental health check in with your child. Going back to school can be stressful and full of uncertainty – especially those with a history of mental health concerns. Mental health care needs to be on the checklist to help set your child up for a successful school year.

Here are some tips for getting your child or teenager’s mental health in shape for back to school:

• Start a conversation . Ask child/teenager about how they are feeling for the upcoming school year. Have them to share one thing they are looking forward to and one thing they are not looki