Doctors at BC Children's Hospital (BCCH) are offering guidance to families as children head back to school.
Between August and September 2023, BCCH saw a 150 per cent increase in patients with anxiety symptoms and a 20 per cent increase in patients presenting depressive symptoms.
A change in eating patterns, mood swings, academic or social difficulties, physical ailments or sleep disruptions can be signs that a child is struggling beyond the normal standard.
Parents and caregivers are often the best judges of differences in the behaviours of children and clinicians advise families to keep track of changes.
Dr. Sharon Smile, division head of developmental pediatrics, says the back-to-school period can be a challenging and emotional time for many children and families.
“I strongly encourage parents and caregivers to talk honestly and openly with children in the upcoming weeks and months, validating that feelings of anxiety and other related emotions are normal and can be shared in a healthy and supportive environment,” says Smile.
She says there are many helpful resources and tools available that can help guide these conversations.
BC Children's Hospital is giving families three steps to promote mental and physical well-being:
- Create safe and supportive environments
- Immunizations
- Develop routines
Clinicians believe parents should give praise to their children for their unique strengths. They should encourage a healthy and balanced relationship between academics and extra-curricular/social activities.
Public health staff may visit your child’s school during the school year to offer certain vaccines, which protect not only your child but your family and the entire school, according to BCCH. This is critical in preventing some serious illnesses.
In 2023, from August to September, the emergency room at the hospital saw a 52 per cent increase in patients presenting with cough or congestion systems. During this same time, there was a 105 per cent increase in patients presenting shortness of breath.
Parents should support a consistent sleeping, eating, and socializing routine along with daily physical activity for general wellness.
Teenagers require nine to nine and a half hours of sleep every night, doctors say.
For more information and resources to help support your children transitioning back to school, visit the BC Children's Hospital website.
