Trauma-Informed Back To School Pastoral Care and Awareness
For many back to school is an exciting season of change; however, for others, it can be a triggering and difficult time. Here is a list of 12 things to be aware of when you are talking about back-to-school in your faith community:
Back-to-school is a big change in schedules and routines. These changes lead to dysregulation, tiredness, and moodiness, and a time of adjustment for families. Be mindful of these physical responses to this season when you are planning events, outreaches, and providing pastoral care in the back-to-school season.
Finances can be a source of stress during back-to-school time for many families. The added cost of supplies, clothing, shoes, lunches, sports supplies, and club fees can put pressure on caregivers. If your faith community has the resources to offer small grants to help families in your area with these extra expenses that can be a huge blessing. Instead of simply offering school supplies, ask individual caregivers what they need most and what is a practical way that you could help them. Each family’s answer may be different and that is important to be aware of. If financial support is not an option, it is at least important to acknowledge the stress and pressure of providing during this season when talking about back-to-school.
For kids who have been bullied, back-to-school time is often a time of stress and anxiety. Let students know that if they are experiencing bullying to make a caring adult aware of the situation so they can get support.
Students who struggle with learning disabilities and neurodiversity can also experience stress and anxiety at the thought of returning to a classroom. Find ways to encourage those who find school to be extra challenging socially and academically.
Families who are separated through foster care, illness, military deployment, divorce, caregiver incarceration, or other causes can struggle with not being able to be a part of back-to-school shopping, meet-the-teacher events, and first-day-of-school drop-offs. Be sensitive to those who are navigating a season of separation and offer support as this milestone unfolds.
Individuals/Family units who have experienced child loss or infertility may struggle with the triggers of back to school as a reminder of past seasons and missed seasons with children. Reach out to those you know may be triggered with a fresh wave of grief and check on them and find ways to openly acknowledge others who may be struggling with similar pain.
Teachers may struggle with the responsibility and fear of having to be prepared to protect the lives of students in their care in the event of a school-based act of violence this upcoming year. Make space for teachers to voice their fears and worries in a safe way that allows them to feel seen and supported.
Many students also live with fear and worry about school-based violence and returning to the classroom means active shooter drills and discussions that force them to be aware of the dangers that could unfold in their hallways and classrooms. If possible, find out when drills will occur and create safe spaces for students to process their emotions and feelings afterward.
Parents who are sending children to school for new experiences may feel anxious about the changes in their lives and the lives of their students. This can happen at many stages; pre-school, Kindergarten, first day of Middle School or High School, start of senior years, or first time leaving for college. Milestone school years and seasons of change can be hard on the entire family so be sure to acknowledge this when you can and reach out to check on parents who are supporting a student through a new experience.
Back-to-school time also means that many college students have to leave their support systems while they start or return to classes. These students may need extra communication, care, and hospitality not only at the start of the semester but throughout the year. Consider hosting regular meals or having community connections for college students in your community.
Former teachers or retired teachers may have emotions and memories of this season stirred up as students and teachers start a new year. Reach out to check on former educators in your faith community to see how they are processing and if they need support or new opportunities to use their passions for education and students to help others.
Educators also often carry a great deal of concern for the well-being of their students throughout the school year. This amount of care can lead to exhaustion, compassion fatigue, mental health struggles, and weariness. It is important to check on teachers not only at the start of the year but also periodically throughout the school year to ask how they are doing and if there are ways that you or your faith community can support them or the students that they are serving.
Back-to-school season is a complicated time that often impacts a wide range of individuals in different ways. It is important for faith leaders and faith communities to be aware and sensitive during this time as an act of love and acceptance.