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SALT LAKE CITY — Some children have already gone back to school, while others will be going back on Monday. The adjustment back can be a difficult adjustment for some children. But, counselors say there are ways parents can help their kids get over the January blues.
Going back to work after time off can be grating for adults. So, counselors say parents shouldn't minimize their child's anxiety about going back to school.
"First, validate their concerns or their disappointment of a great time ending," said child and adolescent therapist, Teresa Nelson.
Nelson, LPC, says this adjustment can be particularly hard for a child with anxiety or depression.
"Sometimes the post-holiday blues might be covering up another little problem at school that is not major, but, it would be great to have a discussion with your parents about," Nelson said.
Nelson says it's helpful when parents talk with their children about what the kids enjoy about school, like their friends, favorite subjects or favorite teachers.
This isn't always going to be an easy discussion. Some kids are under the impression that they have no friends, or that they can't handle their classes. Nelson says parents of those children may need to remind them of their successes in the classroom. Plus, if they talk long enough with their children, they can usually help them recognize that they have more friends than they give themselves credit for.
Also, getting them back on a normal schedule is key.
"Getting back into routines helps all levels [from] mild blues to ‘I don't want to go back,'" Nelson said.
If the kids are still upset that the holidays have past, Nelson says parents should plan another event for the family.
"[It can be] an outing, a family movie and dinner date or something that would be more than the usual but not over the top," she said. "You can give them something else to look forward to."
