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BHRT Helping Kids Reduce Back-to-School Anxiety

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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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Government

West Nyack Road Closure Begins June 11 as Part of Revitalization Project: Detours in Place

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June 12, 2025

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WEST NYACK, NY — Beginning Wednesday, June 11, a portion of West Nyack Road between Alexander Brothers and the West Nyack Post Office will be temporarily closed to traffic as construction begins on the West Nyack Revitalization Project. The project is expected to last approximately 6 to 8 weeks, with detours clearly marked to guide motorists around the affected area.

The roadwork includes the replacement of two culverts—large underground pipes that allow water to flow beneath the roadway. These critical upgrades aim to improve stormwater drainage and reduce flooding risks, enhancing long-term infrastructure stability and safety for the community.

While the road will be closed to through traffic, all local businesses in downtown West Nyack will remain open and accessible via posted detours. Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue shopping local and supporting these establishments throughout the construction period.

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Government

“Discover the Beauty of Rockland County Parks This Summer” by Rockland County Executive Ed Day

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June 12, 2025

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Now that summer is here and school is wrapping up, it is time to take advantage of all the great outdoor recreational opportunities that Rockland County has to offer. Nestled amidst the Hudson Valley, our county boasts an array of parks that promise not only breathtaking scenery but also endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation.

Whether you’re a nature or fitness enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, we are very lucky to live in a county that is one-third parkland that offers something for everyone. Of that parkland, 31 are County parks with over 3200 acres to walk, hike, picnic, fish or take out a boat or kayak.

While the county has 40 miles of scenic Hudson River waterfront, Haverstraw Bay Park offers water-based recreational opportunities via a boat launch along with playgrounds, a walking trail, fishing piers, picnic areas, an open-air pavilion, and is also home to our 9/11 and Gulf War Memorials.

In New City, Kennedy Dells Park offers a scenic variety of relatively easy walking trails that meander through meadows, woods, a two-acre grove of evergreens and along Crum Creek featuring a relic dam and mill. Visitors to the park can also bring their canine companions along for a hike or utilize the dog run.

A few short miles down the road at the Zebrowski-Morahan Demarest Kill Park, parkgoers can find more shaded walking trails around the pond that was recently restocked with fish, as well as new fishing piers and benches. Work is currently underway on a new path that will span from the rear of the park along the babbling Demarest Kill Creek and connect to the path adjacent to the Rockland County Courthouse leading up to Dutch Garden Park – a hidden gem. Work is expected to be complete this Fall.
If you’re a fan of hiking, some of our popular trails are at Clausland Mountain, Mountainview, South Mountain, Kakiat and Dater parks. While the County parks offer approximately 30 miles of walking and hiking trails, the trails at several of these parks connect to other state or town parks providing longer hiking options that range from relatively easy to difficult.

We are especially thankful for the dedicated employees in our County Division of Environmental Resources including park rangers, security and grounds workers for ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of our County park system.
For more information on our County parks or to apply for a permit to utilize a County park, please visit the Division of Environmental Resources website or contact their office at 845-364-2670.

This summer, I encourage residents and visitors to explore the natural beauty right here in Rockland. Let our County parks be your gateway to nature, adventure, and relaxation.

This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day

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