Loyola University Health System psychologist Michael Hakimi, PsyD, offers ten tips to reduce school stress and ensure the new school year will be a success both in and outside of the classroom.
Parents• Maintain a wall calendar and erasable bulletin board to keep track of activities, school events and announcements.
• Form a partnership with the teacher to communicate by email, text messages or telephone. Work together as a team.
• Volunteer to help out at school whenever possible. Attend school-sponsored activities and meetings. Keep a visible presence. • Keep lines of communication open with your child. Make time every night to talk about their day. Encourage them to talk to you about any concerns, or if they need any help. This is critical.
• Do not expect or require specific grades, such as A’s and B’s. Instead, encourage your child to complete their homework and do their best.
Students• Stay organized and establish routines. Write out an hour-by-hour schedule, from the time you get home until bedtime. Eat healthy foods, don’t skip breakfast and go to bed at a reasonable time.
• Do not over-schedule yourself with too many extracurricular activities. Balance your time so that you can do well in your classes as well as in your extracurricular activities.
• Maintain and nurture your friendships. Keep a well-balanced social life, especially on days off from school. Maintain positive relationships with teachers and peers.
• Take personal responsibility to do all your school work and home chores, without being asked or told.
• Anytime you need help with anything, ask your teacher and/or parent. They are your best resource. Understand that school should be your No. 1 priority, and getting a good education your No. 1 goal.
Dr. Hakimi is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. His clinical expertise includes adolescents, anxiety, family psychotherapy, marital problems, OCD, stress management, trauma and depression.
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