As superintendent of the Morgan Hill Unified School District and a father of three students, I am doubly concerned with the amount of stress our young people are under. While our students face the typical stresses of academic and behavioral expectations and peer acceptance, many of them are also challenged by involvement in multiple activities - local sports, traveling teams, dance teams, martial arts, youth groups, community service, etc.
One day, just last week, one of my daughters worked on Advanced Placement summer homework in history and language arts, volunteered at the library, and played in a summer league basketball game. Like many of you, my wife and I give our children opportunities to determine for what, exactly, they are passionate. We also subscribe to the theory that keeping them occupied with pro-social activities leaves them little time for less positive activities. Still, we are aware of the impact of busy schedules, expectations - academic or otherwise - and adolescence on our children's stress levels and how ill-equipped young people are to deal with stress.
School districts regularly evaluate homework policies and course workloads, partner with agencies like Project Cornerstone to increase developmental assets in students that will allow them to successfully manage stress, and provide counseling services for those who need additional support. As a district employee, I am confident that our efforts to help students manage stress will be effective. As a father, I know that schools alone cannot help my students navigate the minefield of adolescent stress; only together can we adequately prepare and support our students.
The following are some things parents and guardians can do to help students manage stress:
Start early to prepare your child for the school year
The first day of school is just around the corner. Going back to school means a change in routine from the summer months. It's not too early right now to start easing your child into that school routine of getting up a little earlier, going to bed a little earlier, getting school supplies together and talking about the importance of doing well in school. Be positive when you talk to your child about school, seeing their friends, meeting a new teacher, etc. Letting them know how you will support their success in school will help to reduce stress they may be feeling about going back to school.
Listen and talk to children
Take the time to have conversations with your children, ask them about their day while riding in the car, sitting together for meals, doing something together like preparing meals, working in the yard, or doing household chores. Not only do you learn about their friends, their likes and dislikes, what makes them happy, sad, angry or afraid, but really listening to children makes them feel valued. Conversations are also an opportunity for you to tell your children stories about your own past, or even things that are happening in your daily life. Knowing that their parents experience the same feelings and problems will help children feel less stressful about their own. By maintaining open lines of communication with your child, they will be more likely to tell you when they are feeling stress, so you can help them.
Teach healthy eating habits
It's never too early to learn healthy eating habits. Children who eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains feel better in general. Eating small, healthy snacks in between meals works well. Concentration, patience and completing tasks are difficult for all of us when we feel hungry.
Establish a daily routine
Children need routine, and parents can do a lot to help their child establish a daily schedule of school, homework, play, outside activities, meals and rest. Of course, it is challenging to fit everything in on some days, but having a routine to fall back on when life gets hectic helps children and parents throughout their lives. Teaching children how to organize and better manage their time goes a long way to reducing stress levels.
Make adequate rest a priority
Getting enough rest is critical to a child's well-being. Children do better in school and at home if they go to bed at a regular time every night and get a good night's sleep. If a child is having difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, it might be a signal that they are not getting to bed early enough. During the school year, bedtime may need to be even a little earlier than during the summer months. Children can handle the stresses of each day more easily with proper rest.
Stress is a natural phenomenon with which our students need help. Together, we can give our students the support they need to effectively manage stress and live happy, healthy lives. As a superintendent and as a father, I am eager to engage this important work and invite your participation.
Wes Smith is the superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District. He lives in Morgan Hill with his wife and three children, who attend Morgan Hill schools.
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