Heading Back to School? Important Talks to Have with Your Kids

by Kathy Colbenson

EAST ATLANTA — Back to school season is upon us and while you are busy ensuring your kids have the right school  supplies and new clothes to start the year, it is imperative that you also make sure they are mentally prepared for what may lie ahead. Before heading to class, it is important to sit down with your kids and address the topics that set them up for a successful year, while strengthening your relationship and building trust:

1. Abuse. Child sexual abuse is prevalent. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men are sexually abused before the age of 18. Abusers are often known to the family and can be well-respected community members that your child grows to trust. Talk to your child about good and bad touch and let your child know he/she should talk to you if he/she is ever uncomfortable being around any adult.
2. Anxiety. After a summer full of fun, relaxation and an unregimented schedule, going back to school can be stressful. Talk with your child about the upcoming transition. Take them to their school to learn where their classes are and start getting into the school routine a few weeks beforehand. If the anxiety continues, think about going to a third party, such as a counseling center, to help keep open the lines of communication and identify techniques for managing anxiety.
3. Bullying. If you start to notice warning signs of bullying (dreading to go to school, faking illness, etc,) ask your child if anyone is bothering or picking on them.  Listen and focus while they talk. Never ignore the bullying – in fact, do some role-playing to give your kid ideas on how to best handle the situation.
4. Change. Change can be scary. Whether it is a transition to a new school or home, or a shift in the family dynamic, change can be overwhelming. It is important to keep a two-way line of communication open with your child to diminish fear and increase a sense of trust and adaptation to the change.
5. Relationships. As your child goes back to school, new friendships and relationships begin to form. Although these relationships can be exciting, they can also turn abusive. If you start to notice signs of an abusive relationship (possessive behavior from a significant other, decline in grades, increase in anxiety, avoiding activities, etc,) communicate to your child the importance of respecting yourself and let them know you are available to listen and help.

It is important to feel comfortable addressing these topics with your child. If you feel overwhelmed or need help, local community partners are available to work with you and your family. Organizations such as ours, CHRIS Kids, can be a safe source to help you and your child during transitions. Through counseling, after-school programs and therapy groups, your child can feel prepared and you can see your relationship strengthen.

With open communication and focus, relationships can improve and set the tone for future transitions and a great school year.

To learn more, join CHRIS Kids on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Summit Trail Apartment Community, 2045 Graham Circle SE in Atlanta. This Back-to-Business Resource Fair is a celebration of youth and young adults returning to school and employment.

This event exposes youth to various vendors representing local educational, vocational, career development, employment and other community organizations to inspire them to reach their potential and refocus on their goals. This is a community event, so if you are a parent, adult supporter, a youth or young adult, come out and join us!

Ms. Colbenson is the chief executive officer of CHRIS Kids Inc., an East Atlanta-based organization serves the abused and neglected youth of metro Atlanta.