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 summer break:
- 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.
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.
As your kids return to school after summer, please reach out to the campus counselors or administrators to let them know of any concerns you have or support your child may need.