Back to school tips for your child's mental health The beginning of a new school year can be a stressful time for children, with new teachers and classmates, bigger classrooms,new routines and more schoolwork.This time can be particularly unnerving and overwhelming for children who are facing major transitions such as starting elementary school or entering middle school."As a parent there are proactive steps you can take to support your child as he or she heads back to school,"explains Barbara Strickarz,chief school administrator of the High Point Schools in Morganville, a K-12 special education school and division of CPC Behavioral Healthcare. • Be interested and enthusiastic about the start of the school year. If you are confident and excited,your child will be too. • Spend time every day listening and talking to your child about what is happening in their lives and at school.Share emotions and feelings.Take time to listen to your child and discuss aspects that he or she is worried about.Remember to let your child know that it is normal to feel nervous. • Give children unconditional love.Children need to know that your love does not depend on their accomplishments. • Nurture children's confidence and self-esteem.Praise and encourage your children, and set realistic goals that test their abilities.Accept mistakes and failures as a part of life. • Encourage children to play.Playtime is important to children's emotional development. Play helps children be creative,develop problem-solving skills and self-control,and learn how to get along with others. • Praise and encourage your child to become involved with school activities and try new things.Give your child positive feedback about new experiences. •Attend school functions and stay involved in your child's education.Children whose parents are more involved with their education have higher achievement, are better adjusted and are less likely to drop out of school. • Make a point to learn about how your child develops not just physically,but socially and emotionally as well. If you aware of what's typical behavior and thoughts for your child's stage of life,you will more readily be able to tell when things may not be right. Anxiety and stress about starting school is normal for a child or teen and usually passes within the first few days or weeks. If your child continues to seem anxious or stressed, it may be time to seek help.Talk to your child's teacher and/or family physician about what you can do as a parent. If problems persist,consider a referral to a trained and qualified mental health professional. Knowing when to seek help: Sometimes children can develop emotional problems that will not go away,no matter how much love and support you give them.The following signs can help you determine if your child needs help from a professional.By identifying possible problems early,your child can be more easily treated. • decline in school performance • poor grades despite strong efforts • constant worry or anxiety • repeated refusal to go to school or to take part in normal activities • hyperactivity or fidgeting • persistent nightmares • continuous or frequent aggression, or"acting out" • continuous or frequent rebellion and/or temper tantrums • depression, sadness or irritability "Nearly one in five children has a diagnosable mental health problem,"notes Strickarz."While a child's mental and emotional needs may not be as obvious as physical needs, they are just as important.Good mental health allows children to develop socially and intellectually,build self-esteem, learn new skills,and develop a positive mental outlook." For more helpful information,visit www.highpointschool.org and www.cpcbehavioral.org.