Helping children find some sort of balance between the responsibilities awaiting them at school and allowing time for themselves is very important, especially when they return to school. Very often, their schedule can easily get packed with schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and hanging out with friends; that also might be a reason for them to pressurize themselves to succeed. And here, parents may want to step in and help them navigate through such demands so that their mental and emotional health remains intact.

The backbone of such balance is a good routine. There should be a regular routine where time for homework, hobbies, and family activities is specifically set aside in a daily schedule. Of course, this is not to say that consistency is void of flexibility. Life can be quite unpredictable, and to be able to make room for adjustments frees a person from leading a stressful life. If a child knows he will be able to adjust at times the schedule without feeling guilty, he will be more apt to feel less stressed when other challenges come his way unexpectedly.

Besides, good interaction should be developed between the child and the parents. Talking to your child regularly about his or her feelings can reveal early hints of stress and anxiety. Such open communication allows parents to intervene before these feelings become too difficult to cope with. Encourage children to speak up if they are experiencing stress or need help for any particular reason, which supports a friendly atmosphere based on the well-being of the child.

Sleep and rest are areas of non-negotiable balance in their lives. Children need appropriate amounts of sleep to function properly at school and in life. They can be given an appropriate sleep schedule, perhaps by repeating a familiar bedtime routine, to help them relax into sleeping activities-preparing to read or play-so that they can recharge to push the pressures of school around them.

Parents can also seek the help of teachers should they see their child struggling. Schools can be a great partner in ensuring that the workload amount is manageable. Teachers may be able to extend assignments or lessen the load if it is necessary to avoid burnout.

In addition to managing the prevailing pressures, resilience is taught to maintain long-term equilibrium. Teaching children how to respond when stressors, such as mindfulness of problem-solving skills, empower them with the ability to self-direct through life's challenges. And it will benefit them not only at school but within every capacity of life.

Finally and most importantly, all this schoolwork can be balanced off with other areas of children's lives so that the latter will not only prosper in an academic sense but genuinely enjoy their childhood as well. In line with these facts, rhythm at home, open communication, rest, and resilience are the basic ingredients parents need to support their kids through a year of school successfully.

Hazel, Mental Wellness Architect