Helping Children with Psychological Disorders Cope with School

One of the most important tasks when you have a child who requires special attention because of mental health issues, is helping them cope with going to school. Whether they will be required to attend select classes geared toward their condition or whether they will be fully integrated into regular classrooms, there are many ways you can prepare yourself, your child, and the school to assure a positive and rewarding environment with as little stress as possible. It doesn't matter what kind of mental health issues your child may be suffering from. There are a few hard and fast rules and recommendations that apply to everyone in helping special needs children get the most out of school with ease and comfort.

1. Be enthusiast about school. Your child will be scared and most likely will be scared at the beginning of each new year. When you show enthusiasm, it is a positive reference for the child. They will be enthusiastic too and more confident.

2. Before the school year begins, you should visit the school and talk to teachers and counselors about the condition of your child, what their special needs may be, and what the school will do to accommodate your child.

3. Bring the child to the school before the beginning of the year as well. Familiarize your child with the environment and locations of important areas.

4. Talk to your child. This may sound obvious, but it is worth stressing. Your child will feel more relaxed if you talk to him or her about the school and about how all children are nervous about school and how many are very afraid of attending. This should be repeated daily.

5. Encourage your child to interact with the other children and socialize. If it is difficult, see about joining some school activities, sports, or programs.

6. Become involved with the school during the year. Participate in meetings and activities.

7. Talk to your children's teachers often. Ask them about the development of your child, not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Schedule regular meetings for these talks so you will always be prepared with what difficulties your child is currently facing. Remember, even children change, and the problems they may have at the beginning of the year may be quite different than in the middle or end.

Much of this advice has been obtained from the Mental Health America Resources Center. They can be found online at www.nmha.org. Another great resource for information is the HSC Foundation and their guide to Partnering with Your Child's School which can be found at:

http://www.hscfoundation.org/aboutus/publications/partnering_with_schools_english_guide.pdf

By following this advice and learning all you can through talking with your child's doctors, counselors, and the school, you will be taking steps to ensure your child is comfortable and capable of learning all the information and skills that will be necessary for future development.