Sioux City, Iowa — Iowa parents are encouraged to make a few proactive moves this week that may help their kids make a smoother transition back to school.
Autumn Hartman is a counselor who works with youth at Rosecrance Behavioral Health in Sioux City. She suggests starting the school year routines right away, including a nightly bedtime and an earlier wake-up time.
If the family has moved over the summer or if it’s a new school for the child, Hartman says it may help to arrange a tour of the school in advance.
If you haven’t bought school supplies yet, Hartman says to bring the child along for the shopping spree and get them involved.
Parents should also talk to their kids about school before — and after — it starts, giving them a chance to express their concerns and goals.
Focusing on mental preparedness and emotional support can pave the way for a smoother and more positive start to the school year, she says. Rosecrance facilities in Iowa serve more than 7,000 teens and adults every year at outpatient treatment clinics in Sioux City, Cherokee, Davenport, Estherville, Le Mars, Spencer and Sheldon.
