By: Audra Hermanson, APNP, Emplify Health by Bellin
The first few weeks of a new school year are full of adjustment. New teachers, new routines, new expectations – and, for many students, new social pressures. These first weeks are a valuable opportunity for parents and caregivers to pause and check in with their children about how things are really going.
This kind of conversation doesn’t need to be formal or heavy. In fact, the most meaningful check-ins often happen in the quiet, everyday moments – a car ride home, a walk through the park, or a few minutes before bed. What matters is that the conversation happens.
Start with how they’re feeling, not how they’re performing. It’s natural to ask about grades and homework, but try leading with something broader: “What’s been the best part of your week so far?” or “What’s something that’s been harder than you expected?” These open-ended questions invite more than a one-word answer and give children more room to share what’s actually on their minds. Ask about their workload and also ask about their friendships and social interactions. Who are they sitting with at lunch? Are they feeling included? These moments matter to a child’s well-being as much as any report card.
Make room for harder topics. Peer pressure exists in every grade, whether it’s about activities, grades, clothes or even drinking, vaping or partying. Children rarely raise these subjects on their own, but they often want to talk about them. Rather than lecturing, try asking “Have you ever felt pressure to do something you weren’t sure about?” Share your own values or experiences honestly, and frame them around care, not control. Let your child know their well-being is the priority, not perfection.
Listen more than talk. When a child opens up, the instinct to fix the problem can be strong. But often, what a child needs most is simply to be heard. Resist the urge to jump in with solutions or to react strongly to what you hear. A calm, measured response tells your child it’s safe to keep talking. A big reaction, even a well-meaning one, can shut a conversation down.
Reassure them that their feelings are valid. Let your child know that feeling overwhelmed, confused or uncertain is normal – and that asking for help or guidance is a sign of strength, not weakness. When a child feels that they are being taken seriously, they are more willing to come to a parent or caregiver with future concerns or when something is truly wrong.
Keep the door open. Make it clear to your child that this isn’t a one-and-done conversation. Let them know you are available anytime, about anything. Trust isn’t built in a single conversation; it’s built through many small ones, repeated over time.
The first few weeks of school set the tone for the months ahead. A simple, honest check-in now can help a child feel seen, supported and safe.
If you, your child or your family would like additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pediatrician, family medicine provider or behavioral health specialist. No concern is too small to address.
Published on: Sep 4, 2026 at 3:58 pm