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Back to School Tips for Parents:Managing Your Child’s Anxiety and Preparing Them for Success
The first day of school always comes with an overwhelming number of different emotions. Students can feel happy, excited, anxious, nervous, stressed, sad, and even scared. Here are some risk factors to look out for in your child or teen:
- Not wanting to go to school
- Physical complaints (stomach hurting, headache, nausea, vomiting)
- Frequent nurse visits
- Not turning in assignments
- Declining grades
- Avoiding social groups
- Skipping classes or school
- Complaints of bullying
- Sleep or eating changes
- Mood swings
- Disinterest in favorite activities
- Panic or anxiety attacks
- Self-harm
As parents how can we help our children and teens cope and make sure they have a successful academic year? Below we have some tips for you!
1. Organize, organize, organize!
- Children thrive on structure and organization. Create a visual schedule for them to follow. Include important due dates, school events, and when extracurricular activities will occur. Allow them to add what is important! Giving them an idea of what to expect during the school year may not give anxiety a chance to grow.
2. Positive affirmations to build confidence
- Load your child up with positive affirmations they can remember all day long! Encourage them to face difficult challenges, work through strong emotions, and build up their self-esteem. Some examples of positive affirmations include: “I can do hard things!” “I believe in myself and my goals,” “Obstacles help me grow and learn,” and “It is okay if I make mistakes.”
3. Help them emotionally ground
- Using grounding techniques can help your child or teen in times of stress and distress. The five senses grounding technique is our favorite! Have your child describe 5 things they see, 4 things they feel, 3 things they hear, 2 things they smell, and 1 thing they can taste. This can help them get back into the present moment and feel a sense of calm. You can also practice deep breathing and use sensory toys or fidgets as well.
4. Create a routine
- Remember how we said children thrive on structure? Well, here is another way you can provide that. Create a morning, after school, or evening routine (you can do all three!). Creating a predictable routine can give your child a sense of stability. Meditate, read a book, go to the park, create a silly dance, make a funny song, have a calming lavender bath, or set aside time to cuddle. Be sure to build 8 hours of sleep into their routine. Having a simple routine can help your child during times of transition.
5. Positive reinforcement goes a long way!
- Imagine going to work and not getting paid. Would you still go? Luckily, children can feel rewarded by something much smaller (and cheaper) than your average paycheck. Provide options of what they can earn for different behaviors at school, specific grades on assignments, or managing their homework load! Watch a new movie, get them their favorite ice cream, fruit, or candy, take them to a water park, or give them an extra hour of video games. Reward the choices you appreciate.
6. Be specific about the struggles your child or teen has
- If your student struggles with particular subjects or skills, inform their teachers about what will help them. Providing your child’s teachers with tools that you know work for your child will increase their chance for a successful year.
7. Get involved with the academic team for your child or teen
- If your student struggles academically despite your efforts, maybe setting them up with an academic plan is the next step. Speak to the guidance counselor or resource officer about psychological testing or tutoring options. Having an individualize education plan (IEP) or 504 plan can be extremely helpful in ensuring your child’s success in school.
Dr. Lisa Saponaro works within Broward County and offers academic testing and parent training along with counseling for children, teens, and parents at the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness in South Florida. Located in the heart of Plantation, the center is easily accessible from Davie, Sunrise, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Cooper City, and Southwest Ranches. We can help set up you and your children for academic success and so much more!
Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging roles a person can take on. As a parent, you will navigate your child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development, which can be both fulfilling and overwhelming. This journey can be even more complex when co-parenting, managing ADHD-related behaviors, or seeking additional support through counseling and therapy. That’s where our Parenting Skills Group comes in. Our virtual group sessions provide parents with the essential tools and skills to raise well-adjusted children. Each week, we focus on practical strategies that promote positive behaviors, emotional regulation, and effective communication—all while fostering family growth. Whether you're dealing with tantrums, school challenges, or co-parenting struggles, we’re here to help. This group will explore essential parenting techniques, including: How to communicate more effectively with your child Strategies for managing challenging behaviors, including those related to ADHD Approaches to encourage emotional and social development Navigating co-parenting dynamics in a supportive and constructive way By the end of the 12 sessions, you’ll have the tools needed to create a nurturing environment that strengthens your family’s connection and supports your child’s growth. One of the greatest benefits of joining our group is connecting with other parents facing similar challenges. Parenting—especially when dealing with ADHD, co-parenting struggles, or behavioral concerns—can sometimes feel isolating. Our group provides a supportive space to share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Building these connections fosters a sense of community, reducing stress and promoting shared growth. Accessible Support in Broward County Sessions are held virtually, making it easy for parents across Broward County to participate from the comfort of their own home. Parenting can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join our Growing Together: Parent Skills Group to gain the confidence, support, and knowledge you need to thrive in your parenting journey. To register or for more information, contact us at (954) 577-0095 . Let’s work together to make a lasting, positive impact on your child’s well-being and your family’s future. Lisa Saponaro, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness We Nourish ~ You Flourish www.Plantationpsychologists.com 954-577-0095
Understanding the Food-Mood Connection: The food we consume can directly influence our mood, emotions, and overall mental well-being. Nutritional deficiencies and imbalances can affect brain chemistry, impacting our energy levels, cognition, and emotional stability. Conversely, consuming a well-balanced diet with essential nutrients can promote optimal brain function, stabilize mood, and improve overall mental health. The Importance of Nutrition for Mental Health: Research increasingly demonstrates that nutrition plays a significant role in mental health. Essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc, support the production of neurotransmitters and regulate brain function. A deficiency in these nutrients has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. At Plantation Psychologists, we emphasize the incorporation of nutrient-rich foods to support mental well-being. Gut Health and Mood: The gut-brain connection is a fascinating area of study, revealing the intricate relationship between our digestive system and our mental health. The gut microbiome, the community of bacteria residing in our intestines, influences brain function, mood regulation, and the production of neurotransmitters. Nurturing a healthy gut through a balanced diet, rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics, can positively impact our mental and emotional well-being. Promoting Wellness through Nutritional Guidance: At Plantation Psychologists, we recognize the importance of a holistic approach to well-being, including nutrition. Lisa Saponaro, Ph.D., and our team of dedicated professionals provide nutritional guidance tailored to each individual's unique needs. Through evidence-based practices, we help clients make informed choices that support optimal mental health, enhance mood stability, and foster overall wellness. Nutrition for Life-Long Well-Being: Integrating nutrition as a fundamental part of your lifestyle promotes long-term well-being. It is important to develop sustainable eating habits that support mental health and overall vitality. Our team at Plantation Psychologists offers personalized strategies and tools to help individuals create a balanced and nourishing diet that suits their preferences, dietary needs, and goals. Conclusion: The relationship between food and mood is an important aspect of mental and emotional well-being. At Plantation Psychologists, Lisa Saponaro, Ph.D., and our team are committed to guiding individuals in South Florida, including Davie, Plantation, Sunrise, Weston, and beyond, on their journey to optimal mental health and wellness. By understanding the profound impact of nutrition on mood and emphasizing the connection between gut health and mental well-being, we empower individuals to make informed choices that support their overall vitality and nourish both their bodies and minds. To learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation, please visit our website or contact us today.
In today's digital age, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become increasingly popular among teenagers. While these platforms offer opportunities for self-expression and connection, it is essential for parents to be aware of the potential concerns surrounding their children's social media use. In this blog post, we discuss the impact of TikTok and Instagram on body image, anxiety, and depression among teenagers, drawing on recent research from the American Psychological Association (APA). We also provide insights and recommendations from Lisa Saponaro, a leading psychologist at Plantation Psychologists, located in South Florida, specifically Plantation. The Influence of Social Media on Body Image: Social media platforms often promote an idealized and curated version of beauty and body image, which can lead to negative self-comparisons and dissatisfaction among teenagers. The APA study highlights that exposure to idealized body images on platforms like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram are associated with increased body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, and a higher risk of developing negative body image perceptions. This is particular true for adolescent girls who receive targeted messages promoting unrealistic and idealized body images. Fueling Anxiety and Depression: The constant exposure to carefully curated images, comments, and social comparison on social media platforms can contribute to heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms among teenagers. The APA study underscores that excessive social media use is linked to increased levels of anxiety and depression. The constant pressure to gain likes, followers, and maintain a perfect online image can create feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Recommendations for Parents: 1. Open Communication: Foster an open and non-judgmental dialogue with your teenager about their social media use. Encourage them to share their experiences, concerns, and feelings related to these platforms. Provide support and guidance in navigating the challenges that may arise. 2. Set Healthy Boundaries: Establish clear guidelines for screen time and encourage a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Collaboratively develop a family media plan that ensures designated periods for tech-free activities and quality family time. 3. Promote Critical Thinking: Encourage your teenager to be critical consumers of social media content. Help them understand the impact of filters, photo editing, and the curated nature of online personas. Teach them to question unrealistic beauty standards and to value authenticity over perfection. 4. Encourage Positive Online Interactions: Encourage your teenager to engage in positive and meaningful interactions online. Help them identify accounts that promote body positivity, mental health awareness, and empowerment. Encourage them to follow accounts that provide educational content and encourage healthy self-expression. 5. Be a Role Model: Remember that your own social media use can influence your teenager's behavior. Model healthy habits by maintaining a balanced and mindful approach to your own online engagement. The Expert Perspective - Lisa Saponaro, Plantation Psychologists: Lisa Saponaro, owner and psychologist at the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness, emphasizes the importance of parental involvement and awareness. She advises parents to stay informed about the latest trends and challenges on social media platforms. She also highlights the significance of fostering a supportive and validating home environment, where teenagers feel comfortable discussing their experiences and emotions related to social media. Conclusion: As parents, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential impact that social media platforms like TikTok, twitter, Snapchat and Instagram can have on our teenagers' well-being. The APA study and expert insights highlight the links between social media use, body image concerns, anxiety, and depression among adolescents. By maintaining open communication, setting healthy boundaries, promoting critical thinking, and encouraging positive online interactions, we can help our teenagers navigate the social media landscape in a way that supports their mental health and overall well-being. Together, let's empower our teenagers to develop a healthy relationship with social media and embrace their unique identities beyond the digital realm.
Contact Us
7820 Peters Road, Suite E-100
Plantation, FL 33324
Located in Broward county one block west of University Drive
Phone: (954) 577-0095
Fax: (954) 423-0901