The Sentinel

Back-to-school |
Experts offer four tips to keep the stress lower than in the past

Photo: Greg Rosenke/Unsplash

SNS - As summer draws to a close, millions of students across the country are preparing to return to the classroom, marking a significant and often emotional transition. The annual back-to-school season stirs a mix of excitement, anticipation, and understandable anxiety, not only for students but also for parents and caregivers.

The role of families during this period is far from passive. Experts emphasize that parents and caregivers play a crucial role in easing the transition back to school, with proactive preparation serving as a key strategy to mitigate stress.

"Parents are not just bystanders in this process," said Dr. Raymond Garcia, Chief Medical Officer for Rosecrance Behavioral Health. "Their involvement can make a significant difference in how smoothly the new school year begins."

Every child deserves the mental health support they need to succeed

Mental preparedness and emotional support, experts say, are essential components of a successful start to the academic year. Establishing these elements early can create a foundation of hope and optimism for students, easing the transition and helping them face the challenges ahead.

To assist families in this process, Rosecrance experts offer the following recommendations:

Reestablish routines early: Begin setting regular bedtimes and wake-up schedules before the school year starts to help students adjust gradually.
Tour the school: For students entering a new school, visiting the building and meeting key staff members can alleviate anxiety and make the first day less daunting.
Involve students in preparations: Engaging children in tasks like shopping for school supplies can help build excitement and a sense of ownership over the new school year.
Communicate openly: Encourage conversations about school-related concerns and hopes both before and after the year begins. Listening to children’s experiences and feelings can provide crucial support during the transition.

Adolescents, in particular, may experience a range of emotions as they settle into the new school year. While a certain level of anxiety is normal, persistent uneasiness or sudden changes in behavior—such as withdrawal, increased hostility, or disengagement from activities—may signal deeper issues that require attention.

"Every child deserves the mental health support they need to succeed," Dr. Garcia noted. "By ensuring they have access to these resources, we're giving them the tools to navigate their challenges and setting them up for a brighter future."

For families concerned about their teenager's mental health, Rosecrance offers personalized, one-on-one support to help young people refocus and receive the care they need.

As the school year begins, the focus remains on fostering a positive and supportive environment, ensuring that students are not only academically prepared but also emotionally equipped to thrive.

Guest Commentary |
Cutting ties with a friend or relative is difficult

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

We live in an age of addiction and dysfunctional personalities. Lives and families are shattered every day by drug addiction, gambling addictions, pornography, alcoholism and more. Some people have anger issues and live daily lashing out at people and loved ones. Many people have serious mental health issues and need help and often refuse to get help. All of these issues and many more can be impactful on friendships and relationships. It takes a lot of patience and work to survive such a relationship.

Sometimes we hang in there because we feel it’s the noble thing to do. We try to stick with our kids and be there when they need us. We try to hang tight with our parents in their golden years just in case they need us. We stick with a spouse or significant other out of love or a commitment to see life through to the end.

Most of the time we don’t give in unless someone becomes very bad, mean, evil, or is totally wrecking our lives. When this happens then we have to make a decision. How do we stay in relationship with this person? The individual could be a friend, spouse, significant other or a relative. Most people try for a long time but there comes a point if someone is totally wrecking your life then you have to have a serious discussion with the person. If this doesn’t work then you have to go a different direction. You have to make a new plan Stan, as Paul Simon said in a song.

As a Christian, I know God doesn’t give up on us and we don’t give up on people.

Often making a decision to cut ties with a friend or relative is difficult and painful, but there comes a time when mental sanity requires that you make the difficult decision. Once you have made it then there is usually a feeling of relief. Some guilt may follow but not likely if you tried to be a good and fair person and extend as much grace as possible.

No one goes into marriage thinking about divorce but on occasion the battle to make it work is like saving the Titanic from sinking. It’s not going to happen.

This happens with friends, children, and even parents. I agree, “Nothing is Impossible with God.” Keep in mind that you aren’t God and while you may be committed to him in faith, it takes two people to make a relationship work.

it's true that winners never quit and quitters never win but winners don’ beat their heads on a fence post either. Try hard. Work hard. Forgive multiple times. Extend grace. Pray. Look to the Bible for guidance. Get counsel. Have long talks. Cry. Try begging. If your life is still swirling downward because of the negativity involving “whoever” the other person is then, “hop on the bus Gus, and drop off the key Lee,” as Simon also said.

As a Christian, I know God doesn’t give up on us and we don’t give up on people. This doesn’t mean we have to be in union with them or continue to be abased personally by their actions.

Live in peace, joy and harmony with all people, as much as possible and all times, if possible, Just realize that maybe pushing a rope is not easy. Changing the course of the Mississippi River might be easier and some people you simply have to release to God and walk away.

He is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.