A Smoother School Year: 6 Practical Resources for Families and Students

The start of a school year changes the rhythm of everyday life for students and families. This month’s resources from TELUS Health offer practical ideas for making that transition a little easier, from building better routines to helping kids manage friendships, schoolwork and family life.

Start the School Year With Less Friction

A few simple systems can prevent small school-day tasks from becoming daily stressors. Parents can use a shared calendar, reset sleep schedules, establish predictable homework times and handle transportation, supplies and other logistics before they become urgent. Keeping communication open with both children and teachers can also help families spot problems earlier.

Read the TELUS Health resource: Tips for Parents

Give College Students a Stronger Starting Point

College brings a lot of freedom, but that freedom can quickly become overwhelming without some structure. Reviewing syllabi early, putting deadlines on a calendar and scheduling study time before the semester gets busy can help students stay ahead of their workload. Students should also know where to turn for help, including professors, advisors and campus support services, before they actually need them.

Read the TELUS Health resource: College Tips

Help Teens Take More Ownership of School

Middle and high school are good years for students to begin managing more of their own schedules and responsibilities. A consistent place to work, one system for tracking assignments and smaller milestones for large projects can make schoolwork feel less overwhelming. Parents can support that independence while encouraging students to ask a teacher, tutor or trusted adult for help when they get stuck.

Read the TELUS Health resource: Middle & High School

Make Tomorrow Morning Easier Tonight

Many stressful school mornings are really preparation problems from the night before. Packing lunches, choosing clothes, collecting school items and putting backpacks in one predictable place can remove several decisions from an already busy morning. Once the basics are handled, families have a little more room for conversation, encouragement and a calmer start to the day.

Read the TELUS Health resource: Establishing a Morning Routine

Turn Mealtime Into a Family Check-In

Family meals don’t have to happen every evening or look picture-perfect to be worthwhile. Even one or two shared meals each week can create a natural place to put away distractions, hear about everyone’s day and talk through what’s going well or not so well. Involving children in cooking or planning the meal can make that time feel more like something the family does together rather than another item on the schedule.

Read the TELUS Health resource: Power of Family Mealtime

Coach Kids Through Friendship, Don’t Try to Manage It for Them

Friendships give children a place to practice communication, empathy, cooperation and handling conflict. Parents can help by creating low-pressure opportunities to spend time with other kids, especially around activities their child already enjoys. When social problems happen, listening first and helping children work through their own feelings and possible responses can build skills they will use far beyond the school years.

Read the TELUS Health resource: Social Growth

More Support From TELUS Health

School transitions can affect the whole family, and sometimes organization and routines aren’t enough. TELUS Health can help connect individuals with qualified mental health professionals and other support based on their available benefits. Contact TELUS Health at 800-245-1150 to speak with a Care Coordinator about available options.