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Well, it is August and school will be starting soon for children.
Before summer vacation comes to an end, I wanted to address substance use and mental health issues before they go back. These are comprised of a combination of proactive communication, the need to create a supportive environment, and seeking professional help if needed.
Here are some steps parents and care givers can take to make a smoother transition back to school next month.
Let’s start with the concept of open communication. You need to (maybe even must) have honest conversations with children who live in your house. You need to openly discuss the dangers of substance use and the importance of mental health. Make sure the child feels comfortable talking about their feelings and experiences. At the same time, you need to be an active listener. That means you need to listen to kids’ concerns without judgment and provide reassurance that they can share anything with you.
More: When’s the first day of school? Here are the dates for every district in Central Jersey
Remember that you need to be the one who educates and informs. Adults in a family unit need to provide information. That means that you should try to educate children about the effects of substance use and the importance of mental health. But please, remember to use age-appropriate language and resources. At the same time, you need to set clear expectations by establishing clear rules and consequences regarding substance use.
There are many resources available to you. Here are some to consider:
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Substance_Use_Resource_Center/Home.aspx
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators
- Partnership to End Addiction: drugfree.org/
- NJ parent link: nj.gov/njparentlink/services/special/substanceabuse/
- NJ Substance Use Resources for Families: performcarenj.org/families/resources/substance.aspx; wellspringprevention.org/resources/information-and-referral/
The next step is to create a supportive environment byspending quality time with your children and engaging in activities they enjoy. You should also promote a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Make sure you acquaint yourself and get to know their friends, monitor their activities, and be sure you are aware of their social media use – social media outlets, time they spend on those outlets, and who they communicate with.
Rember that you are the primary role models for kids in your household. Make sure you lead by example. You need tomodel healthy behaviors and coping strategies. Show how to manage stress and emotions positively. You need to always be aware of and provide access to resources youngsters in your home might need.
And you need to acquaint yourself of available resources in case you need to provide them with access to resources.
These resources could include professional help. Because if it becomes necessary, you could find yourself seeking help from mental health professionals such as therapists, counselors, or psychologists. And don’t forget that you can (and should) contact the school to learn about available resources, such as counseling services or support groups.
Learn about the development of and sharing coping strategies. That may include teaching coping mechanisms that can help children develop healthy ways to cope with stress, such as mindfulness, meditation, or engaging in hobbies. At the same time, you can also help children in your life to learn about problem-solving skills. These involve and encourage problem-solving and critical thinking skills to help them deal with challenges. Again, there are several resources where you can learn about coping strategies.
Make sure that you continue to monitor and quickly address perceived or actual substance use. That means you have to stay vigilant. You need to be aware of signs of substance use, such as changes in behavior, mood swings, or physical symptoms. And make sure you act and intervene early. If you suspect substance use, address it immediately and seek professional help if necessary.
You need to make sure your children feel that when they come to you, you are providing them with a safe space where your home is a safe space where your children and their friends can feel secure and supported. But you still may wish to Develop a plan for emergencies, including who to contact and where to go for help.
To do so, you need tomake yourself aware of and engage with community resources, such as local support groups or organizations focused on substance use prevention and mental health. You should consider connecting with other parents to share experiences and strategies.
Right now, you should seriously consider creating a transition plan. Such a plan could help your child prepare for the transition back to school by discussing their feelings and expectations. And remember to regularly check in with your child once school starts to ensure they are coping well.
By taking these steps, parents can help their children navigate substance use and mental health issues, providing a strong foundation for a successful school year.
Ezra Helfand is CEO/Executive Director of the Wellspring Center for Prevention (formerly NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc.) You can reach him at ezra.helfand@wellspringprevention.org.
