At Ocean Pediatrics, we understand that adolescence can be a pretty rocky road. On one hand, teens can look forward to the excitement of maturity, of discovering their identities, as well as building deep relationships that last a lifetime. On the other, they’re facing extreme social pressure, the challenge of keeping their grades up, not to mention huge physical changes.
And at the start of a new school year, the challenges for teens — as well as their families — escalate. From shifting schedules to mounting expectations, the back-to-school transition can have a significant impact on teen mental health. So to help you navigate the back-to-school transition, here are some essential tips to help safeguard your teen’s mental health this school year.
Start the conversation early
Before the school year begins, carve out time to talk openly with your teen. Ask how they’re feeling about the year ahead — including academics, friendships, and extracurricular activities. Normalize their concerns and reassure them that stress and uncertainty are common, but manageable with support.
Ocean Pediatrics tip: Make these check-ins part of your weekly routine. A quick walk, drive, or dinner chat can go a long way in creating a safe space for open dialogue.
Establish healthy routines
Sleep, nutrition, and exercise form the foundation of mental health for teens. So you’ll want to aim for:
- 8–10 hours of sleep per night
- Balanced meals with regular hydration
- Daily movement: whether it’s sports, yoga, or a walk with the dog
A consistent routine gives teens structure and predictability — especially helpful when school life feels overwhelming.
Help them set realistic goals
Teens are under more pressure than ever to perform. Help them set attainable goals — whether academic or personal — and celebrate small wins along the way. Encourage effort over perfection, and remind them that setbacks are a healthy part of life, adolescence and growing up.
Ocean Pediatrics tip: Validate their effort. Whether it’s a B on a hard test or just showing up to try something new, let your teen know their resilience is seen and valued.
Keep on the watch for mental health warning signs
Back to school mental health challenges often appear subtly. As their parents, you’ll want to keep an eye out for any possible issues, such as:
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior
- Withdrawal from friends or activities
- Excessive worry, irritability, or fatigue
- Declining academic performance
These may indicate that your teen needs additional support — from you, a school counselor, or a trusted pediatric provider.
Know when to seek professional help
If you do think that your teen is experiencing a mental health issue, it may be time to consider getting some professional help. Firstly, know that your family is not alone! At Ocean Pediatrics, our team of caring and passionate pediatric providers are always here to help your teens navigate whatever comes their way.
Get mental health counseling for teens, with Ocean Pediatrics
We’ve partnered with two excellent psychological professionals, who are trained in supporting teens experiencing mental health struggles. Dr. Hayley Pedersen (MS, PsyD) is a licensed child and family psychologist, as well as the founder of The Child and Family Connection, who uses a ‘Whole-Child Approach’ to help teens overcome a wide range of behavioral issues. And Dr. Rebecca Gold (PsyD, LPCC), a licensed professional clinical counselor, who provides one-on-one therapy to kids and families in Southern California.
We want to be more than just your pediatric practice — we want to be a part of your family. As your teen navigates a new school year, we’re here to provide the highest quality pediatric care, both inside and out. Schedule your next visit today, we’ll be waiting.
