Connect with us

Government

BHRT Helping Kids Reduce Back-to-School Anxiety

Published

2 years ago

on

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). 

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Government

Creating a More Inclusive Rockland – One Business at a Time By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

5 days ago

on

May 31, 2025

By

To our business leaders, healthcare providers, first responders, and community organizations that make Rockland County the vibrant place it is, I want to bring your attention to a new and FREE training that will create a more inclusive Rockland one business at a time.

Here in the United States, 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with Autism. And yet, many of our public spaces, businesses, and institutions remain unfamiliar with how to support them.
That needs to change—and here in Rockland, we’re leading that change.

It was with that in mind that in April, during Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month, my administration’s Department of Mental Health launched a new All-Abilities Training Program, created in partnership with the Anderson Center for Autism.
This training is available at no cost and is designed to educate the workforce, including our local businesses, healthcare providers, first responders, and community organizations. It’s a powerful tool to help you better serve all members of our community, especially those with Autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD).

This initiative is more than just training—it’s a commitment to understanding, acceptance, and accessibility for individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities.

When we launched the Rockland Thinks Differently initiative in 2024, we committed ourselves to promoting inclusion at every level of our community. This training is a direct extension of that promise. It will help your team create more welcoming environments for all.

But this isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s also smart business.

Many individuals with Autism are loyal, capable, and hardworking.

The training includes insight into how to make your workplace more accessible for potential employees with Autism and the many benefits of hiring from this often-overlooked talent pool.

I urge every business and organization in Rockland to take advantage of this fantastic and free opportunity. Doing so will show the community that your organization not only accepts differences but embraces and celebrates them. Let’s work together and continue creating a Rockland that truly thinks differently.

To sign up for the training or learn more, please contact the Anderson Center at 845-889-9616 or ACCT@AndersonCares.org.

* This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

Continue Reading

Government

Senator Bill Weber Honors the Late Clarkstown Councilman Mark Woods Jr. with Induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

Published

6 days ago

on

May 30, 2025

By

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – This week, State Senator Bill Weber posthumously inducted Town of Clarkstown Councilman Mark Woods Jr. into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at the State Capitol.

Mark’s beloved wife, Jeanne, his daughter, Maggie, his son, Ray, and his mother, Marie, joined the ceremony to accept the award on Mark’s behalf.

A Brooklyn native, Woods was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry after attending The Citadel. He served in Berlin at the end of the Cold War and deployed to Bosnia for peacekeeping operations. His civilian career included service as a corrections officer, border agent, and NYPD officer, where he was part of the Vice Squad and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. He returned to active duty in Iraq post-9/11 before continuing his public service stateside.

Woods later became Deputy Director of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency and then Director of the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program at BRIDGES, where he supported fellow veterans through mental health and crisis recovery work. His advocacy and compassion touched countless lives.

“Mark Woods Jr. exemplified the spirit of selfless service,” said Senator Weber. “His dedication to his country, his community, and especially to his fellow veterans, was unparalleled. This induction ensures that his legacy of compassion, leadership, and service will be remembered and honored for generations to come.”

“I can think of no one more deserving at this moment. Mark Woods is the purest example of a serviceman dedicated to his country and his community. He was humble, passionate and undeniably committed to seeing our community be better. I can’t think of a better way to pay tribute to a selfless man like Mark Woods and his enduring legacy than his induction to the NYS Veterans Hall of Fame.” said Carlos Martinez, LMSW, CEO and Executive Director of BRIDGES

Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, a good friend of Mark Woods added, “I am proud to help honor the life and legacy of Mark Woods. From his service in the U.S. Army to the streets of NYC as an NYPD officer, to his compassionate work with our veterans and as Town Councilman, his unwavering commitment to helping others will always be an inspiration. Clarkstown and New York State will never forget his lifetime of service.”

The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame honors the courage, sacrifice, and service of veterans who enrich their communities long after leaving active duty. Mark Woods Jr. stands among the finest examples of that enduring legacy.

Continue Reading

Trending