Farmington Valley Health Offers Back-To-School Mental Health Tips

CANTON, CT — With students heading back to classrooms across the Farmington Valley region, local health officials are reminding families that the transition involves more than school supplies, schedules and bus stops.

The Farmington Valley Health District, located in Canton but serving several area towns, recently highlighted the emotional side of returning to school, encouraging parents and caregivers to make room for rest and conversations with children as families settle into new routines.

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"Back-to-school isn't just about backpacks and bus stops—it's also a big emotional transition," the health district said in a social media post. "Creating space for rest and real talk at home helps kids feel safe, seen, and ready to learn."

The district also shared several time-management reminders from CredibleMind that can apply during the school year and other busy periods.

Those recommendations include:

• Recognizing rest as part of productivity.
• Keeping to-do lists manageable.
• Asking for help when needed.
• Allowing routines to change as circumstances change.
• Taking breaks rather than trying to work continuously.
• Setting boundaries to protect personal time.

"This year, let's work with ourselves — not against ourselves," the CredibleMind message said.

The health district also encouraged families to consider rituals or routines that help them remain grounded during particularly busy times.

The Farmington Valley Health District serves Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, New Hartford and Simsbury.

The district's offices are at 95 River Road, Suite C, in Canton.

For more ways to improve mental health at back-to-school time, click on this link.