How to support your child’s mental well-being during the back-to-school transition

July 27, 2026

While the back-to-school season can bring excitement, it can also create stress and anxiety for both children and parents. These approaches to improving mental well-being can help families thrive now and throughout the school year.

Why is a positive state of mental well-being important?

At GuideWell and Florida Blue we say there’s no health without mental health, which is also true for children and their parents. That’s why we’ve created a common definition for well-being and are sharing it with other organizations. Caring and supportive relationships inside and outside the family help drive overall well-being.  When children have a positive mental state, they feel in control of their future and are better equipped to adapt to life’s stressors and navigate challenges. 

Parents are not immune to stress either. In fact, a recent survey found that 33% of parents reported high levels of stress in the past month, compared to 20% of other adults.¹ This is not surprising given the many responsibilities and worries that come with parenting. Similarly, nearly three in four parents are extremely worried that their child will struggle with anxiety or depression, which can be a significant source of stress. 

Despite having a strong foundation, transitions like the start of a new school year can still be challenging for children. That's why it's crucial for parents and guardians to be aware of how they can provide guidance during these times.

What are strategies parents can use to support children’s mental well-being?

Here are tips to support children during the back-to-school season.

• Communicate openly —Talk to children about any feelings and concerns. Listen attentively and offer reassurance.
• Establish a routine – Stick to a consistent daily schedule, including regular times for homework, meals, and after-school activities.
• Encourage self-care – Support children in developing healthy habits, such as exercise, healthy eating, and getting sufficient sleep.
• Stay involved – When possible, attend school events, meet with teachers, and stay informed about progress.
• Seek help when needed – If parents notice any signs of stress or anxiety, work closely with the child’s doctor and seek help from a mental health provider if necessary. Getting help early is important.

“As kids head back to school, mixed emotions are completely normal,” says Dr. Naakesh Dewan, vice president of behavior health for GuideWell and Florida Blue. “Parents can make a meaningful difference by listening, creating consistent routines, and supporting their children’s mental well-being. Just as important is caring for their own mental health, because children learn resilience by watching the adults around them."

Mental health resources for parents and families

Parents and other adults in a child’s life play a critical role in supporting their mental well-being, and we're here to help. That's why we offer a range of resources and tools to help members and everyone in the community:

• Parents can turn to our Community Specialists at our Florida Blue Centers — in person, over the phone, or through a virtual visit. You can ask questions, get help finding a doctor or finding resources in your community, whether you are a Florida Blue member or not. Our centers also offer webinars and classes on topics like mental well-being, at no extra cost. Visit your local center or call 1-877-352-5830, or learn more at FloridaBlue.com/Center.
• View our Mental Health Matters webpage for additional information on youth mental health and parental mental health.
• We offer a regular series of mental health webinars, featuring topics such as parental and youth mental health. These webinars are free and open to all; recordings are available on our YouTube playlist.
• Because of our commitment to mental health and well-being, we offer two powerful resources for our members — meQuilibrium,² an online self-help mental well-being program to build resilience and learn ways to combat stress, and Lucet,³ our behavioral health care partner that helps connect members to mental health services in as little as two weeks.

Supporting children’s mental well-being doesn’t require having all the answers. By providing the right support and resources, parents can help their children build resilience and confidently navigate challenges throughout the school year.

Sources:
¹Parents Under Pressure. The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents. US Department of Health and Human Services.
²meQuilibrium is an independent company contracted by Florida Blue to provide health and wellness services and resources to members. This benefit is available to Florida Blue members age 18 and older.  Eligibility is limited to members with an individual or family plan, an individual or family ACA plan and members with coverage from their fully insured group employer health plan.
³Florida Blue contracts with Lucet to provide behavioral health services.