With the school year in full swing, the child in your care may be experiencing a range of emotions and feelings, from excitement and normal nerves to anxiety and stress. There are dozens of reasons why a youth may be feeling anxious about school, especially in the first few weeks of getting back into the routine.
As a parent or caregiver, you can offer support when they are at home, but what is something you can do to support their mental health while they are at school each day? Send a little note of hope or inspiration with them to school – you can put the note in their backpack, lunch box, folder, or schoolbook as a comforting surprise to find during their day.
The note could be a simple “I love you!” or “I hope you have a great day!” It could be a reminder of something they can look forward to when they get home or at the end of the week, an inside joke or a joke of the day, a doodle, a positive thought, or quote. Get creative with it and tailor the message to your child.
Benefits of Hope Notes
Sending a note with your child to school may seem like a small gesture, but it can benefit your child’s mental health and their overall mindset while in school.
- A note lets them know you are thinking of them. Sending a simple note is a great way to acknowledge your child and remind them that they are loved and cared for. Even if they are having a tough day at school, they know that they have a safe space and safe people at home.
- They feel seen. These small gestures can also help the child feel valued and important, which can improve their focus in class, build self-esteem and confidence, and aid in emotional regulation and stress management.
- It creates a positive mindset. Sending something the day of a big test or other stress-inducing event like an after-school game or concert can help encourage them to do and try their best, encouraging a positive mindset when encountering challenges.
- You get to be involved in their day. Sending a note specifically when you know they have a big test or a paper due shows that you pay attention to what’s going on in their world and you care about their success.
- It promotes resilience. Write a note reminding them of something they’ve recently accomplished, maybe a good grade on a test or a kind action they made toward someone else. Doing this helps remind them what they’ve accomplished so far in their life, and how they can handle what comes next.
Sending a little note or surprise is a simple but powerful way to remind your child that they are loved, and someone out there is thinking about them and cares for them. We are wishing everyone good luck this school year!
Nexus Family Healing is a national nonprofit mental health organization that restores hope for thousands of children and families who come to us for community mental health services, foster care and adoption, and residential treatment. For over 50 years, our network of agencies has used innovative, personalized approaches to heal trauma, break cycles of harm, and reshape futures. We believe every child is worth it — and every family matters. Access more resources at nexusfamilyhealing.org/resources.