Back to School

As the summer days fade and the school bells ring once again, we find ourselves at the beginning of a new academic journey. Whether you’re a parent preparing your child for the excitement of a new grade, or a college administrator welcoming students back to campus, this is a time filled with anticipation, change, and opportunities for growth.

For Parents: Supporting Your Child’s Success

Transitioning back to school can be both exciting and overwhelming for children. As parents, our role is to provide a supportive environment that fosters not just academic success, but overall well-being. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Prioritize Health and Wellness: Establish routines that include healthy meals, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. A well-rested and nourished child is better equipped to handle the demands of school.

2. Encourage Mindfulness: Teach your child simple mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or a few minutes of quiet reflection each day. These practices can help them manage stress and stay focused.

3. Create Joyful Learning Moments: Learning doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom. Encourage curiosity by engaging in fun, educational activities outside of school. Whether it’s a nature walk, a science experiment at home, or exploring a new book together, these experiences can cultivate a love of learning.

4. Be Present: Make time to listen to your child’s thoughts and feelings about school. Whether they’re excited or nervous, knowing that you’re there to support them makes a significant difference.

For College Administrators: Welcoming Students with Purpose

As the new academic year begins, college campuses buzz with the energy of both returning students and those stepping onto campus for the first time. Creating an environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and motivated is key to a successful year. Here’s how you can make this transition seamless:

1. Promote a Culture of Wellness: Encourage students to balance their academic commitments with self-care. Offer workshops on mental health, provide access to wellness resources, and ensure that students know the importance of taking care of their physical and mental well-being. The first step to care for mental well-being is understanding how to control emotions and practicing good habits for enhanced cognition. Our brains are our computers and we need to develop and grow brain connections and neurons. Five essential self-care rituals improve our daily cognition: adequate sleep, proper nutrition, consistent exercise, adequate hydration and mindfulness practices. In the absence of any one of these, our brains and our bodies suffer. There is a connection. Research by Carol Dweck has proven that we can develop our abilities. Nutrition plays an important role in neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to form and reorganize neural pathways. Meditation also increases neuroplasticity!

2. Foster Connections: Help students build a sense of community by facilitating opportunities for them to connect with peers, faculty, and staff. Whether it’s through orientation events, clubs, or support groups, these connections can make a significant impact on their college experience.

3. Inspire Joy in Learning: Remind students that education is not just about grades and deadlines but also about discovering passions and finding joy in learning. Encourage faculty to create engaging and interactive learning experiences that ignite curiosity and creativity.

4. Emphasize Productivity with Balance: While productivity is essential, it’s important to remind students that balance is key. Encourage them to manage their time effectively, but also to take breaks, enjoy extracurricular activities, and find joy outside of the classroom.

A Final Thought

This September, let’s focus on nurturing both the minds and hearts of students at every level. By prioritizing health, fostering joy, and promoting balanced productivity, we can help our students—whether they’re young children or college adults—thrive in the year ahead.

Wishing you all a joyful, healthy, and productive start to the school year!

Warm regards,

Rebecca Eckstein, MA, PCC