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How to Fight the
Back-to-School Blues by Beth Levin Kelley, LPC
With the kids back in school,
and summer fun and lack of structure just a memory,
the fall season can be a difficult transition time.
It’s hard for everyone to adjust to being back in a
routine. Parents have returned to taxi duty as they
shuttle kids from one sport to another, balancing
schedules and managing time. It may feel like your
family kicks into action and everyone fragments into
their different trajectories. Here are some simple
reminders to help you keep your family balanced and
reduce the stresses that come with maintaining
cohesiveness in the family.
For Adults:
·
Quality family time - PLAN IT, carve
out the time for family dinner, and ask open
ended questions. LISTEN to your children.
·
Plan a family fun night once a month,
play a board game, rent movies, make ice cream
sundaes…
·
Spend one-on-one time with your kids
when possible.
·
Slow it down a little, take time out
to breath and look around. Don’t worry, everything
will get done.
·
Date night with spouse, or friends –
hire a babysitter.
·
Un-plug once in awhile - Turn off
TVs, cell phones, computers, for everyone in
the family, if only for just an hour or two
(especially during family time).
·
Balance the schedule - let your kids
have down time too. Don’t over-do activities.
For Kids/Teens
·
Get a good night’s sleep
·
Choose healthy snacks and keep them in
your backpack or locker
·
Exercise daily (or just get outside
for a walk or bicycle ride)
·
Set up a routine/schedule for homework
time, chores and practice (sports, piano, dance,
etc.)
·
Save time for fun and relaxation
·
Ask for what you need. if you are
stressed out about something, tell your parents, or
school counselors - they can help you.
Even though the lazy days of
summer are over, the regular school year needn’t be
stressful. Just remember to keep things balanced,
maintain communication and pay attention to your own
- and family members’ - needs.
Beth Levin Kelley, LPC, a
graduate of Regis University, has been a therapist
since 2001. She specializes in working with
adolescents and individual adults. Beth’s style of
therapy is direct and engaging. She uses a variety
of evidence-based techniques in working with clients
who search for a deeper understanding of self or who
want to work to create change in their lives. For
more information about her practice, please visit
her website at
http://www.counselingindenver.com or call
303-756-9052 x131
