‘All the feels’ for kids heading back to class

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The start of a new school year can put pressure on young students. The signs of that stress might be tricky for adults to spot, and many kids don't know how to put those feelings into words.

Psychotherapist Dr. Jody Bumsteen says "It's really up to us to give them the language they need to be able to communicate what they're experiencing, and then also teaching them the coping skills to go along with that."

She adds that the signs of stress to look out for include changes in sleep habits, shifts in diet, and stomach or headaches with no clear medical cause. Some children will stop taking part in activities they once loved, or simply not talk as much. There are slo may be mood shifts that don't fit with their usual behavior. Instead of reacting to that behavior, Dr. Bumstein recommends parents delve deeper into the cause, without judgment or interpretation.

Some tips to open communication with your child include asking open-ended questions. When they answer, acknowledge and validate what they're feeling.

"You don't have to agree with it. You don't have to know what that feels like to validate. You can just say it makes sense. It's normal and OK for you to feel that way," Bumstein adds.