Many parents and students eagerly anticipate breaks from school. For some, these breaks present challenges and can be emotionally draining due to a change in routine, a transition in family structure, complicated family dynamics, or grieving a loss. For youth, the separation from school routines, trusted school staff, and friends can be an additional source of stress and anxiety.
We offer the following suggestions to help you and your family navigate the upcoming break or holiday:
- As much as possible, stick to a routine.
- Practice gratitude.
- Engage in healthy habits (eat well, move your body, prioritize sleep).
- Spend time outdoors to benefit from natural light.
- Choose your battles: What can you let go?
- Allow yourself to say “no.”
- Take a break from screens (including news and social media).
- Do something you find relaxing.
- Ask for help.
If your family is grieving the loss of a loved one, holidays can be especially difficult. It can be helpful to begin a family conversation that acknowledges how things are different and allow family members to talk about their feelings – both positive and negative. Keep in mind that everyone grieves differently and all feelings are valid. Additionally, you might identify ways in which your family can connect with others (visit friends, participate in community events, volunteer). You may find comfort in familiar traditions or in creating new ones. If you need help working through grief, seek out local resources such as the Christi Center and the Austin Center for Grief and Loss.
Like many communities, the Eanes ISD community has been impacted by suicide. As you spend time around family, friends, and neighbors you may want to familiarize yourself with the warning signs of suicide or know how to take action to help someone in emotional pain. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, there is help.
- Call 911 if there is an imminent risk; indicate you are calling about a mental health crisis.
- Call Integral Care Crisis Services at 512.472.HELP (4357)
- Call or text 988 if you need someone to talk to. Your life matters. Be sure your tweens and teens know this number – while you might prefer they talk to you, if they won’t, you want them to talk to someone.
- Reduce access to lethal means in your home.
As your kids return to school after a break, please reach out to the campus counselors or administrators to let them know of any concerns you have or support your child may need.
