By: Michael B.

Summertime brings unlimited freedom for children: no homework, fewer responsibilities and more play time. However, after the summer months conclude, transitioning back into the daily routine of school and structure can be difficult. School counseling is one way to make that transition easier. Here’s how.

Identifying the Warning Signs

During major transitions, such as the start of a new school year, families should be on the lookout for signs children are struggling with the adjustment. For example, are changes in his or her sleeping habits arising? Is your child throwing tantrums and refusing to go to school? Or, is your child quieter than normal? There are multiple signs of poor transitioning, and if you’re unsure if your child’s behavior correlates with back-to-school stress, seek help from our clinicians. They can work with you and your child to help target the causes of the child’s discomfort.

Supporting the Whole Family

A child’s fluid schedule during the summer can often cause tension and stress once he or she must face the structure of academic accountability. In addition, that stress is often transferred to the child’s family, causing challenges in both the school and home setting. This vicious cycle of passing on stress to one another can be broken with counseling. Our goal as clinicians is to help the family establish ways to be supportive of the child’s transition, without intensifying his or her worries. It’s important to note that every family is different – our clinicians will personally work with the family to develop the best coping strategies needed to ease the stress of a difficult transition.  

Growing Socially and Emotionally

School is not only a place for a child to grow academically but also socially and emotionally. However, children can struggle with this development – sometimes causing them to act out. Is your child making a scene in the classroom because he or she is impulsive? Our clinicians work on essential problem-solving skills to control this type of behavior. Is your child acting out because he or she just wants to be heard? Our clinicians use our one-on-one sessions to help the child express himself or herself, whether it’s through art therapy or just by talking.

South Bay’s outreach program is unparalleled to any other behavioral health service in the area, which gives our clinicians the opportunity to physically reach those who need us most no matter their circumstances or where they are, including schools.

If you think your child could benefit from school counseling sessions, we encourage you to contact South Bay Community Services. We strive to provide the proper programs, certified staff members and clinicians for the perfect combination of professional therapy and guidance. Let us help your child have the best possible beginning this school year!

For more information, contact us at 508-521-2200 or click here.