Back To School: 5 Tips For Parents & Caregivers
By Emily DeLong, LISW-S
Clinical Supervisor, Allen County
No one wants to see summer come to an end, but soon the busses will be rolling and the hallways will bustle again with the start of a new school year. As summer wraps up, transitioning back to school can add some extra stress for parents and other caregivers. So how can you manage? Here are some tips that may help parents and caregivers make this transition:
1: Start Early
Try to start the school routine a week before school starts. This could help kids to adjust back to those early mornings.
2: Stay Organized
Review the school calendar (typically available on your school’s website) and make note of scheduled school delays, holidays, or other closings to make plans for where the kids will be going for the day.
3: Stock Up on Supplies
Review school supply lists and have everything prepared and ready to go. There are lots of local resources available to assist if you need some help with supplies.
4: Go To The Open House
Most schools host open houses in the weeks leading up to the beginning of the school year. Attending these events gives caregivers and students the chance to meet teachers, see classrooms, and plan for the first day.
5: Talk About It
Have open communication with kids. Talk to your kids about their feelings and expectations about the new school year. This could really help them feel heard and supported as they begin a new year.
Family Resource Center offers several services to help with StreSS:
PREVENTION/EDUCATION SERVICES
SCHOOL-BASED COUNSELING SERVICES (YOUTH) – We have counselors located at schools in Hancock, Auglaize, Allen, and Hardin Counties. These counselors are able to provide group or one-on-one service directly in schools, where students are. If you are interested in enrolling for these services please reach out to our call center or your local school counselor or principal to see what is offered at your school.
SCHOOL-BASED EDUCATION SERVICES (YOUTH) – Our prevention educators are located at schools in Hancock County to offer group education sessions for youth in grades K-12. These groups work to teach social-emotional skills, health education, life skills training, self-esteem/confidence, and many other topics. If you are interested in hearing more about these groups please reach out to your school counselor or principal to see what is offered at your school.
TREATMENT SERVICES
INDIVIDUAL OUTPATIENT SERVICES (ALL AGES) – Outpatient services are one-on-one counseling sessions delivered by providers with strong credentials and clinical expertise in all areas of behavioral health. Behavioral health counseling and therapy services consist of a series of time-limited, structured sessions that work towards reaching your defined goals.
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES (ALL AGES) – We provide psychiatric/medical intervention and Medication Management to reduce and/or eliminate psychiatric symptoms with the goal of improved functioning, including management and reduction of symptoms.
GROUP SERVICES (ALL AGES) – Our agency provides a variety of groups for youth or adults to participate in. These groups are led by counselors as well as peers. Peer support services are led by individuals who have experienced a mental health and/or substance use disorder and are actively in recovery. To find a group session that is right for you, reach out to our call center and connect with a counselor to discuss options with you.
RECOVERY
Our organization believes that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover. We are about helping people find their path forward and seeing life through a hopeful lens. This is about more than programs, services and resources. This is about people who care deeply. People who have dedicated their lives to helping others. People who see not only the challenges others face, but the person who faces them. When you are ready to take the next step towards recovery please reach out to our call center to find the best fit of services for your individual needs.
3 ways to enroll in STRESS Services
ONLINE SCREENING
Answer a few short questions to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional. This screening is completely anonymous and confidential.
OPEN ACCESS HOURS
We have services available at in-person sites in seven different counties, including Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, and Hardin.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
To get connected with a counselor and enroll in services please call our call-center. They will walk you through the enrollment process and connect you with the right services and counselors.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS EXPERIENCING IMMEDIATE EMOTIONAL DISTRESS OR SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, PLEASE CALL THE CRISIS HOTLINE NUMBER FOR THE COUNTY IN WHICH YOU’RE LOCATED.
Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties: 1.800.567.4673
Hancock County: 1.888.936.7116