MADRID, 19 (EUROPA PRESS)
During the first months of the school year, September and October, there is an increase in child psychology and psychiatry appointments of up to 25% compared to the rest of the year, according to experts from the healthcare group Top Doctors.
Specifically, experts agree that the adjustment period for returning to school typically lasts between two and four weeks, although this depends on the child and the environment. To make this transition easier and more motivating, they recommend making the transition more positive so that the child feels less mentally impacted during the period, normalizing emotions, and discussing the topic naturally and enthusiastically.
"The best trick is to gradually reestablish sleep and mealtime routines, and reduce screen time before the start of the school year. The goal for parents is to provide emotional support, without hiding or avoiding the existing discomfort, but rather giving the child tools to cope," says Èlia Sasot Ibáñez, a specialist in child and adolescent psychology and member of the Top Doctors Group.
However, if, after 4 weeks, the child shows signs of frequent physical complaints such as stomachache or headache without an apparent medical cause, irritability, crying easily, defiant behavior, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawal, or loss of interest in playing or socializing, then Ibañez recommends seeing a specialist.
Causes that lead children to seek medical attention during this period may include anxiety symptoms, fears, persistent sadness, irritability, difficulties with social skills and behavioral problems, learning difficulties, or attention and concentration problems.
"In recent years, especially since the pandemic, we've seen a significant increase in the demand for psychological care for children and adolescents. Families are now more aware of this, and they are seeking help earlier and with less stigma," Ibañez notes.
In this regard, the expert points out that, in general, the cases that come to the clinic are "minors with anxiety and depression symptoms." She explains that "excessive screen use in very young children has, in some cases, negatively impacted their language development and social skills." On the other hand, in the preadolescent and adolescent population, "the misuse or inappropriate use of social media is of particular concern, as it can affect self-esteem and mood."
HOW TO HELP MINORS SET SOCIAL LIMITS
According to the International NGO Bullying Without Borders, in 2024 more than 300,000 children suffered bullying or cyberbullying in Spain, "making it the country with the most cases of bullying." Among the different forms of bullying, ANR.org points out that the most common is insults, nicknames, and teasing, followed by isolation or physical aggression.
In this context, Top Doctors experts advise setting healthy boundaries with peers and learning to say "no" to form healthy friendships that can reduce potential bullying and violence among minors.
"It's important to encourage children to show interest in others and demonstrate it through questions and gestures. It's also key to build their self-esteem, valuing their authenticity, practicing respect and good self-treatment, so they can recognize when others aren't showing them that respect and good treatment, and thus be able to distance themselves," explains Bárbara Zorrilla Pantoja, a specialist in health and social psychology and member of the Top Doctors Group.
She also recommends giving them "formulas, examples, and practicing how to set those limits," using kind, firm phrases like, "I'd rather not do it," "I'm not comfortable," or "Thank you, but this isn't for me."
On the other hand, skills such as empathy, effective communication, assertiveness, and conflict resolution are "fundamental" for children to develop social skills. Thus, psychologist Zorrilla recommends that parents "become role models of positive behavior and conduct, modeling how to communicate and how to resolve conflicts," as well as practicing basic communication and nonverbal language skills.
6 TIPS TO HELP CARE FOR CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH
Top Doctors experts recommend listening to the child's emotions and encouraging open communication without trivializing the potential problem or accepting all behaviors related to the child's discomfort.
They also encourage fostering children's independence from early childhood, encouraging them to gradually take on tasks and responsibilities. They also advise against burdening them with parental expectations or demanding that they fit in at all costs, get along with everyone, or excel socially.
Experts also believe it's important to help them deal with frustrations appropriate to their level of maturity, understanding that things won't always go their way and that it's okay, building their resilience and empowering themselves in the face of adverse situations. In this regard, they assert that overprotection is harmful to children, as it weakens them and deprives them of the opportunity to develop.
Finally, they ask to set limits on the use of screens to improve attention, mood and sleep.
