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BHRT Helping Kids Reduce Back-to-School Anxiety

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3 years ago

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ROCKLAND COUNTY – August 16, 2023 – The transition from carefree summer days to the structure of the school year can often trigger anxiety in children. The anticipation of new teachers, classes, and social dynamics can create stress for many young minds. As parents and guardians, there are several strategies we can employ to help ease back-to-school anxiety and make this transition smoother for our kids.

1. Effective Communication: One of the most important steps is to open a channel of communication with your child. Talk to them about their expectations and fears related to the upcoming school year. Sit down and have an honest conversation, asking them how they are feeling and what they might be worried about. Validating their emotions and concerns lets them know that their feelings are acknowledged and understood. And often just talking about their fears can help reduce the anxiety around them.

2. Providing Relaxation Time: As the back-to-school season approaches, make sure to balance their schedules with plenty of relaxation time. Offer them activities they enjoy to unwind, such as reading, drawing, playing a favorite game or getting outside. Additionally, create something for them to look forward to on weekends, whether it’s a family outing, a movie night, or a special treat. This not only helps reduce anxiety but also instills a sense of excitement amidst their routine.

3. Family Check-Ins: Establish a daily routine of having family check-ins. A simple How was your day? can do wonders. Encourage your child to share their experiences and feelings. This practice not only keeps you informed about their emotional state but also reassures them that they have a supportive space to express themselves.

4. Private Conversations: While family check-ins are beneficial, it’s equally important to speak to your child individually. This allows them to express their feelings in a private setting, which might encourage them to open up more about their worries and anxieties. Sometimes, children might not feel comfortable sharing with siblings, so providing this one-on-one time can be immensely helpful.

5. Setting Attainable Goals: Another effective approach is to encourage your child to set small, attainable goals for the school year. These goals serve as guiding lights, providing a sense of direction and accomplishment. By breaking down larger aspirations into smaller, manageable tasks, children gain a clearer perspective on their journey. Achieving these smaller milestones boosts their confidence and reminds them that progress is within their grasp. This practice not only aids in alleviating back-to-school anxiety but also cultivates vital skills like planning, perseverance, and self-motivation that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.

Parents might have anxiety about children going back to school as well. Remember to speak with your spouse or friends about your own concerns and participate in activities that help encourage your own healthy mindset. Many of the strategies outlined above work well for adults too.

Information provided by:
Tara Brock, Home-Based Crisis Intervention Coordinator for Rockland Behavioral Health Response Team
(BHRT), MA in Psychology and LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). 

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

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2 weeks ago

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October 4, 2026

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

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Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

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3 weeks ago

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September 28, 2026

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A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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