5 Ways to Promote Children's Emotional Wellness When Going Back to School 

It's that time of year when summer fun gives way to preparing school supplies, bus rides, and classroom schedules. During this time of transition stress can run high for kids and teens. By taking some time and thought, we can make sure children start the school year off heard, supported, and ready to thrive.

1. Talk to them about the transition of going back to school. Give them this space to share their thoughts, feelings, worries, and hopes for the upcoming year.

2. Validate and normalize feelings. Praise their small victories.

3. Create a school support network for them. Introduce them to a new teacher or counselor they can go to when they need help.

4. Take care of yourself too. Be attuned to your own stress levels and reach out for help if needed. It’s hard to care for others if you aren’t caring for yourself.

5. Be proactive because prevention is best. By acting quickly on anything out of the normal array of back-to-school nerves, you can help prevent escalating problems and worries that can hinder wellbeing. Never hesitate to reach out to the school psychologist or social worker for help and referrals.

It’s not unusual for children and teens to deny that anything is wrong. Keep an eye out for warning signs that can indicate additional support may be needed. Warning behaviors include isolating, crying more than usual, loss of appetite, not sleeping well, trouble paying attention in class, truancy, irritability, nightmares, flashbacks, and a general change in behavior. For children who have experienced trauma, many of these behaviors may already be present, making communication and noticing any changes from the norm even more important.

If you are a caregiver for a child who has experienced trauma learn more about how NVFS can help your child develop the skills and resources needed to build healthier, successful futures with our Youth Initiatives program. Check out our recent blog post, “How to Help Youth Manage Stress and Trauma During the Back-to-School Season” to learn more about supporting children during their return to school.

NVFS Celebrates National Thrift Shop Day

National Thrift Shop Day, celebrated on August 17, is an opportunity to grow awareness and support thrift stores and the nonprofit organizations many of them support. Now is a great time to visit NVFS' Clock Tower Thrift Shop in Falls Church. Our shop provides a budget-friendly way to refresh your style or your home while living more sustainably and supporting your neighbors in need. The purchases that shoppers make provide vital funds to help NVFS programs support individuals and families in our community during their journeys to self-sufficiency. 

Beyond shopping for new-to-you treasures there are many other ways to support our store and mission. We accept donations of gently-used clothing, housewares and furniture. We also always need volunteers to process donations, organize the sales floor, and help customers purchase those special finds. Sign up to volunteer here.

Check out the Clock Tower Thrift Shop webpage to view the items we accept for donation, shop hours and schedules and follow our store on Facebook for all the latest info. We look forward to seeing you!

Shop at Select Safeways and Support NVFS During the Nourishing Neighbors Breakfast for Kids Campaign

NVFS is partnering with Safeway Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors to ensure every child has access to a healthy breakfast. You can help too – when you visit the Safeway locations below and donate to Nourishing Neighbors at checkout, your donation will provide nutritious breakfast meals to more than 800 children utilizing NVFS’ Hunger Resource Center.

• Safeway in Woodbridge: 2205 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge, VA
• Safeway in Dale City: 4215 Cheshire Station Plaza, Dale City, VA
• Safeway in Bristow: 12821 Braemar Village Plaza, Bristow, VA

Thank You, Ladies! The National Charity League Volunteers at Back2School and the Clock Tower Thrift Shop

This summer, mothers and daughters from the National Charity League’s (NCL) Cherry Blossom chapter stepped up to volunteer and support NVFS. National Charity League Inc. works to empower young women in grades 7-12 by helping them bond with their mothers and participating in community service and volunteering opportunities. Thank you to NCL for volunteering this summer at both our Back2School Drive and Clock Tower Thrift Shop.