By Nadia Ramlagan
Public News Service

Around 700,000 Kentucky kids will return to school in a few weeks, and experts said it is important to prepare them for the transition.

While it may include a trip to the store for notebooks and clothes, parents are encouraged to consider more than what is in their child’s backpack.

Hannah Brosnan, executive director of Mental Health America of Kentucky, said families should discuss upcoming routine changes with their child and gradually begin structuring days to align with their school schedule.

“For example, if bedtime and wake-up times are later in the summer than the school year, as they often are, consider slowly moving toward those earlier times, maybe by 30 minutes every few days,” Brosnan suggested.

Small adjustments have a major effect on mental health. According to one study from Penn State University researchers, consistent routines at home can reduce the likelihood that children will struggle with the back-to-school transition.

Among rural, low-income families, kids with regular bedtimes and shared meals had fewer reported behavioral issues and ADHD symptoms. Child wellness experts also recommend a full mental health screening to identify any concerns heading into the new semester.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said about one in five children between the ages of 3 and 17 has an emotional, behavioral or mental health diagnosis.

“In every age group, those concerns can look different. For a younger child, you might see issues with behavior or outbursts or separation anxiety. Older children might have issues with stress, or attention, or friendships, or grades,” Randall said.

Brosnan stressed parents should talk with their child about going back to school and give them space to express their feelings.

“With younger children, we can equip them with the tools to identify their feelings, the reason for those feelings, and a healthy next step. So for example, ‘I’m happy because my friend played with me. Next, I’ll give them a high five,'” Brosnan added.

More than 87% of parents report the back-to-school transition causes stress, with more than half calling it the most stressful time of the year, according to 2023 data from the education nonprofit Understood.