After the first few weeks of school, you and your family are finally getting back into the groove. But if something feels off, you're not alone. Adjusting to new teachers, friends and a busy schedule can be challenging, no matter how old your child is. Making time for conversations about mental health and wellness is important, both for you and your loved ones. Try these four ideas to build strong connections and offer support before and after school.
On average, children between the ages of two and four get a little over 2 hours of screen time per day. That number only increases as they age, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Tweens clock in at 5.5 hours, and teens get about 8 hours and 40 minutes of screen time per day.
Screen time can make your child more alert and raise their heart rate, which can affect their sleep. To make sure your child gets their rest, try to avoid using screens an hour before bed. If your child is active on social media, having open, honest conversations about their use can help create a safer online environment.
If you're ready to put some screen time rules in place, trade screens for more physical activity, try setting a cutoff time, and start a homework-before-play policy. Try these other suggestions to scroll less and connect more.
A new school year can bring added pressures, like getting good grades and juggling extracurriculars. Checking in with your child and encouraging them to share their feelings and thoughts can help.
Depression and anxiety can often go hand in hand. While they're common, these conditions are treatable. If your child, teen or young adult is struggling with their mental health, there are ways to help. You might notice your child has stomachaches, headaches, outbursts or is refusing to go to school. Look out for these and other symptoms.
Contact your child's primary care physician if you notice changes in their mood and behavior. If your loved one is in crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It's available 24/7 and connects callers to a trained counselor.
If your child needs more support, a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist or other behavioral health provider can be a great resource. Search for an in-network provider and filter by specialty, location and more to find the best fit. Your child doesn't need a referral from their primary care physician to get outpatient therapy with a provider in their network.
Your behavioral health benefits give you access to the no-cost Calm Health app. Calm Health helps you navigate life's twists and turns with support for your mental health, resources for falling asleep and managing stress, and mindfulness techniques to guide you toward greater peace of mind. It's available to members ages 13 or older and offers tools for teens, adults and everyone in between. Learn more and try it out here.
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