I can provide for myself and my family.

I take on challenges easily, and I know I can overcome anything. 

I make time for myself and my family, even when I am busy.

Getting plenty of rest: According to the CDC, children 6-12 years old require between 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, while teenagers (13-18 years old) require between 8 to 10 hours of sleep. Life happens, and this ideal schedule may not be obtainable. However, setting a consistent bedtime each night and setting an alarm or reminder on a cellphone or other device may help your family get as much rest as possible. Establishing a rule for children to put away any electronic devices half an hour before bedtime could also be a signal to them to begin their nightly routine and prepare for sleep.

Breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as it fuels the brain and body with energy to power through the day. The ideal would be to eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast, if possible, but we acknowledge that it isn’t always possible for everyone, for many different reasons. When establishing your routine, schedule time in the morning for breakfast even if only 10 minutes. If you know your morning will be extra busy, try preparing on-the-go breakfasts the night before, so they are ready in the morning and can be grabbed on the way out the door. Check out this link for more information https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/breakfast.html.

Backpack check: Can you remember a time when you were in a rush to get somewhere, and you left something important at home because of it? We certainly don’t want that item to be a piece of homework, a textbook, or especially the whole backpack. When establishing your back-to-school routine, make it a habit to perform backpack checks to ensure everything your child will need for the day is tucked and zippered safely away. Your child’s school may have provided a supplies list which could be a good checklist to go off when prepping. 

Travel time: Taking travel time into consideration is important to ensure you and/or your child make it to the destination safely and on-time. No matter what mode of transportation, allow extra “cushion” traveling time just in case anything happens while in route (like getting stuck at every red light, or to make sure your child is at the bus stop on time and doesn’t miss the bus). If attending school virtually, travel time can be exchanged for logging into class early, leaving time to problem solve if any technical issues arise (like a low battery on an electronic device, or poor internet connectivity). 

Enroll yourself or your youth into one of the various evidence-based programs offered by Touchstone Health Services. To find more information on upcoming classes, visit https://carecoalitionaz.org/available-programs/

Don’t forget about your own personal health and needs as you help your youth transition back to school. Taking care of yourself is important in order to be a resource for others. Visit CARE’s Soothing Place to find helpful resources on mindfulness, coping skills, healthy recipes and exercises, and other wellness resources for yourself and all members of the family! https://carecoalitionaz.org/cares-soothing-place/

https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html

https://www.ed.gov/backtoschool