(KNSI) – As children return to class, mental health professionals are providing tips for both parents and students on how to adjust to the start of a new school year.

Central Minnesota Mental Health Center School therapist Jamie Sue Peterson says it’s okay for parents to be sad that summer is over.

“I think parents have a sense of guilt about school starting. And they feel like, ‘We’re all back in school,’ so it shouldn’t be that big of a deal, but I think those feelings are a big deal.” It’s okay to be there. ”

To overcome first-day depression, parents can come up with special ways to say goodbye, spend more time with their children at the end of the day, or find something to enjoy at the end of the day. she says. week.

For some parents, sending their last child off to school or college can cause them to experience a kind of grief.

“It’s a kind of loss, so you lose what you’re most familiar with, or the way you’ve identified yourself for a really long time. It’s like introducing. And it can be kind of unnerving.

Peterson says acknowledging your feelings is the best way to work through them.

Children can also have a hard time adjusting to the new school year. Peterson says it would help a lot if his parents could stay positive.

“I think it’s easy because it’s hard to empathize with the kids. It’s hard going back to school. It’s hard having to sit inside and work and it’s hard to decide what to do in any part of the day.” No. But I think it’s really important how we shape our thoughts about things, and the way we do that is our language and what we say about things.”

She says to focus on the positive aspects of school. “So how was your day?

Let the teacher know if your child is having trouble adjusting to going back to school.

“So it can be very helpful to get in touch with teachers and schools and let them know right away that it is difficult to get there and start the day. It makes their day a little easier.”

It works best to get into the school routine a week in advance, says Peterson, but it’s never too late to start.

The school day for all students in this area is Wednesday.

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