As the school year enters its mid-point, many children begin to feel the weight of academic demands, social pressures and extracurricular commitments. Mid-year stress differs from the typical beginning-of-year excitement or end-of-year exhaustion. The upcoming months bring heavier workloads with state testing, exams and fewer breaks, leading many students to experience stress and even burnout. As a parent, recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps can help your child navigate this season.

Recognizing the signs of stress and burnout are vital to find the appropriate help for your child. Here are a few indicators to look for:

• Increased irritability or frustration when discussing school
• Loss of interest in activities or spending more time online
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Difficulty concentrating
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach pain or changes in eating habits
• General sense of hopelessness or reluctance to engage in school

Here are seven strategies to help your child finish the school year strong.

1. Encourage a balanced routine
   Help your child create a structured schedule that includes time for homework, extracurricular activities and time for themselves. Ensure they are getting enough sleep, eating well and engaging in self-care.
2. Teach time management skills
   Many students struggle with balancing multiple responsibilities. Sit down together to map out major assignments, exams and activities. Encourage them to break tasks into manageable steps and set realistic deadlines.
3. Promote open communication
   Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their stress. Instead of immediately offering solutions, listen and validate their feelings. Simple responses like, “Tell me more about that,” can encourage them to open up.
4. Encourage healthy coping mechanisms
   Help your child find ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques or engaging in hobbies they enjoy. Encourage screen-free downtime to help their minds reset.
5. Support social connections
   Friendships play a crucial role in mental well-being. Encourage your child to maintain healthy friendships and engage in positive social activities. If they are struggling socially, consider supporting extracurricular activities that align with their interests.
6. Set realistic expectations
   Encourage effort over perfection. Help them set manageable goals that prioritize learning and growth rather than just grades. Praise their persistence and hard work.
7. Collaborate with teachers and counselors
   If your child is struggling academically or emotionally, reach out to their teachers or school counselors. They can provide additional support, recommend tutoring or offer tips for managing workloads more effectively.

If your child’s stress begins to significantly impact their daily life such as refusing to go to school, experiencing persistent physical symptoms or expressing feelings of hopelessness, it may be time to seek professional support. School counselors, therapists or pediatricians can provide resources to help your child navigate their stress in a healthy way.

Madison Harp, LCSW, is a licensed program expert at Youth Villages, a leading national nonprofit focused on children’s mental and behavioral health. She holds a Bachelor and a Master of Social Work from the University of Wyoming.

Working through direct services, partnerships with innovative public agencies and advocacy, we collaborate to bring positive change to child welfare, children’s mental health and justice systems. Our 4,500 employees serve more than 43,000 children and young adults in more than 100 locations in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Youth Villages has been recognized by the Harvard Business School and U.S. News & World Report and was identified by The White House as one of the nation’s most promising results-oriented nonprofit organizations. For more information, go to youthvillages.org.

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