Hoosier experts stress mental prep before heading back to school

 

    INDIANA NEWS SERVICE - Indiana families are preparing kids for back-to-school season, and mental-health experts say emotional readiness is just as important as school supplies.

    Beth Trammell, a psychologist and professor at Indiana University East, said kids often carry anxiety into the new school year. She encouraged parents to help children identify those fears.

    "We as parents or caregivers think, 'Don't worry, or don't stress.' Instead, we might want to say, 'OK, well, let's talk about what it is you're worried about. What is the worst thing you think could happen?' If we draw it out of them," she said, "it may give them space to kind of let that out."

    Helping kids feel heard can reduce stress. But experts also urge balance, keeping mornings calm, easing into routines, and not overloading schedules the first few weeks.

    Nicole Brady, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare, said mental-health support should remain a priority throughout the year.

    "Though we want our kids to be involved in activities and be social," she said, "we have to watch their academic performance, their mood, those sleep patterns, and making sure that those are staying healthy."

    Brady added that parents should talk regularly with kids, model healthy coping and seek help early if warning signs appear.

    Joe Ulery wrote this article.