Thursday, September 05, 2024

Author: Thomas P. Royer, Beech Brook President/CEO

As kids head back to school, we focus on helping them readjust to their routines, connect with peers, and get off to the best start possible. For the children we support in schools, this can be especially challenging, but we are here to help them navigate these transitions successfully.

It's not just kids feeling the strain—parents also face anxiety during the back-to-school season. The sudden change in routine can be stressful, with added concerns about classroom violence, mental health, social media, drug use, and academic performance.

This stress is common, but it feels more intense today. Parental stress has reached new heights, with the U.S. Surgeon General identifying it as a significant public health issue. Parents now work more hours than in 1985, while also spending more time on childcare, sacrificing time with partners, sleep, and leisure—especially for those caring for children with additional challenges.

At Beech Brook, we recognize that when parents thrive, their children thrive too. We believe the well-being of parents and caregivers is directly linked to the well-being of their children, and that parenting is central to the health and success of families and society. That’s why we make supporting parents a priority, helping them cope with the challenges they face so they can create a nurturing environment for their children.

Every year, we work closely with parents through our school-based programs, REACH, foster care, and outpatient services. This year, we've expanded our support with a new Behavioral Respite program, offering parents of children with mental health struggles a much-needed break. Whether for a few hours or overnight, this respite allows parents to recharge by doing everyday tasks like grocery shopping or practicing self-care, improving their well-being and, in turn, their child’s.

Our Beech Brook Family Center is now the hub for all parenting and early intervention services, offering a wide range of programs designed to help both children and families thrive, including:

• Anger Management
• Family Drop-In Services
• Family Stability/Homelessness Prevention
• Fathers Groups
• Health and Wellness Services
• Healthy Relationship Groups
• Parenting Classes and Workshops
• STEPS Classes
• Supportive Visitation

As we move through the school year, let's not forget that it's not just kids adjusting—the whole family is. By supporting parents, we help create the strong, healthy families that enable children to thrive and grow. At Beech Brook, we’re committed to helping both children and families flourish in every aspect of their lives.

-Beech Brook President/CEO, Tom Royer