September is a busy month, and it also happens to be National Self-Care Awareness Month. We would like to share some useful tips for adjusting to the new school year.
Tips for Parents and Guardians
If you don’t already have one, get a backpack with a padded back and wide shoulder straps; make sure your child uses both straps so they don’t strain their muscles.
Remind your child to look both ways before crossing the street. If driving children to school via car, remember that children under 13 years old should not ride in the passenger seat, but in the backseat of cars.
For teenagers driving to school, remind them to drive responsibly, and to: wear a seat belt, do not text, eat, or drink while driving, and limit the number of passengers. Remind them that driving is a privilege that can be taken away at any time, such as if they break driving rules or do not keep up with their schoolwork.
Make sure your child is getting enough sleep. Set a routine each night so they are going to bed at a consistent time, and have them turn of electronics plenty of time before going to bed. Younger children should get 10 to 12 hours, and teenagers 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Not getting enough sleep can lead to lower academic achievement, as well as issues such as tardiness.
Set a daily schedule for homework, and supervise internet use. Do what you can to be supportive and helpful, but make sure you do not ever do your child’s homework for them.
See this article for more back-to-school tips for parents and guardians.
Tips for Students
Set some time aside to study each day. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time, as long as it is a consistent effort. Develop a homework routine. If necessary, try out different times to work, and stick with the one that works best for your schedule and needs.
Organize your class materials in a way that makes sense to you. Using a binder with different tabs may work for some students, while others may be happier with one or two multi-subject notebooks, one notebook for each subject, or another system.
Break down big assignments into manageable steps. For example, set small goals, such as writing two or three paragraphs a day for a paper. It’s easy to overestimate tasks, so set aside a little more time than you think you will need. This way, you don’t have to lose sleep over major assignments or projects, and can avoid finishing things last minute.
This can be a stressful time of year for youth and families, but it helps to stay prepared to make the transition from summer to a new school year as smooth as possible.
A Few Self-Care Tips for Kids and Adults
Develop healthy eating habits
Get enough sleep
Exercise: click here for guidelines of how much exercise is recommended, depending on age and other factors
Upcoming Mental Health Event
On Friday, October 13, 2023, I'RAISE is holding a community Mental Health is All of Us event in the Bronx. The event will feature workshops, peer-to-peer activities, and will provide resources and support. Click here to sign up and learn more about the event.
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