By Shari Shapiro
As summer break ends and the new school year begins, it’s essential for families in Fairfield County to prioritize their children’s mental health alongside the usual preparations like shopping for school supplies. Mental health challenges can arise as students face the stress of returning to the classroom, and it’s crucial for parents to be proactive in addressing these concerns.
In Connecticut, youth mental health statistics are concerning. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 children between the ages of 3 and 17 experience mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental issues. Additionally, half of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14. These issues can stem from various factors, including social isolation, childhood trauma, poverty, long-term physical health conditions, and discrimination.
Locally, Kids In Crisis has observed a rise in the number of children needing mental health support as they transition back to school. Our organization offers a range of services to help families navigate these challenges, including the TeenTalk program, which places master’s-level counselors in schools throughout Fairfield County, and the 24-hour Crisis Helpline, available to support children and families in immediate need.
Kids In Crisis encourages families to establish a mental health toolkit to help children adjust to the new school year. Here are some tools and strategies:
Preparation: Set Your Child Up for Mental Health Success
Create routines: Establish regular sleep schedules, mealtimes, and screen-time li to help your child adjust to the school routine.
Talk about the positives: Discuss what your child is looking forward to in the new school year, whether it’s new school supplies, meeting friends, or a favorite subject.
Plan ahead: Help your child anticipate the first day of school by visiting the school, discussing the route to the bus stop, and planning where you will meet after school.
Open communication: Encourage your child to share their feelings about returning to school, validating their emotions, and discussing coping strategies for stressful situations.
Be Aware: Recognize Signs of Distress
Behavioral changes: Watch for signs such as withdrawal from activities, changes in eating habits, or increased irritability.
Difficulty coping: If your child struggles to recover from a tough day or consistently avoids school, it may be a sign that they need additional support.
Persistent issues: If challenging days become the norm rather than the exception, it’s time to seek help.
At Kids In Crisis, we are committed to expanding our services to meet the growing mental health needs of children in Fairfield County. Our programs provide essential support to ensure that no child has to face these challenges alone. With resources like our school-based counselors and crisis intervention services, families can find the help they need to support their children’s mental well-being as they head back to school.
How You Can Help: This school year, you can make a difference in the lives of children facing mental health challenges by supporting Kids In Crisis. Consider becoming a volunteer or making a donation to our programs. Your contribution will help us continue to offer critical services, such as school-based counseling and our 24-hour Crisis Helpline, to the children and families who need them most.
Together, we can create a community where every child feels supported, understood, and equipped to thrive. Visit www.kidsincrisis.org to learn more about how you can get involved.
Shari L. Shapiro is the Executive Director of Kids In Crisis.
Located in Cos Cob, Connecticut Kids In Crisis provides emergency shelter, crisis counseling, and community education programs for children of all ages and families facing crisis. Crisis can include domestic violence, mental health concerns, homelessness, substance abuse, economic difficulties, and other critical challenges. The Kids In Crisis Helpline is staffed 24 hours a day with trained Crisis Counselors, and provides free, confidential phone and face-to-face intervention, counseling, and referrals. Since its founding in 1978, Kids In Crisis has provided vital 24-hour services to almost 170,000 children and teens, and their families. Providers, educators, community members, and family members are encouraged to call the 24-hour helpline at 203-661-1911 for support.
