Tips for Parents to Focus on Kids’ Mental Health as They Head Back to School

Sometimes new routines and new schedules can exacerbate mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. This can be common when children and teenagers experience a change in their routines.

What are some ways to address these changes? 

For parents of small children, some ways to help your child’s back to school anxiety may include using a calm voice to reassure that their child is safe and protected. In addition, reinforcing routines can be helpful such as setting a realistic bedtime and selecting the next day’s clothes to wear. Arranging playdates with a familiar peer before school starts may help to lessen the anxiety.

For teens that are expressing anxiety about going back to school, listening to them can play an important role in supporting their mental and physical health. In addition, practicing breathing techniques can reduce stress. This can be taught by inhaling slowly through the nose, holding the breath for a count of four and then exhaling slowly.

If children or teens are experiencing ongoing anxiety, panic attacks or refusing to go to school, additional mental health support may be needed. A trained mental health professional can help your child or teen understand the root causes of the anxiety and help with coping skills.

Make sure you take your mental health and your child or teens mental health seriously.

by Elana Silverberg, MSW Intern

To speak with a member of our team, call 609-987-8100 or e-mail intake@jfcsonline.org.

JFCS to Hold Pop-Up Food Pantry

DATE:  Wednesday, July 10, 2019

TIME: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Christ Congregation, 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton

DESCRIPTION: Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) will be taking its Community Food Pantry on the road and hosting a Pop-Up Food Pantry at Christ Congregation in Princeton where fresh fruits, vegetables, snack foods, and non-perishable items will be available.  Food pantry distribution is first-come, first-served until food runs out.  Open to the community.  No proof of income is necessary, but you must self-attest to need.  Also, a vegetarian dinner will be prepared by congregants and served at 6:00 p.m. 

JFCS has been operating the Yvette Sarah Clayman Community Food Pantry since 1999.  The Pantry is choice-based and allows clients to shop for their food instead of picking up a prepared bag.  This follows our philosophy of empowering clients to care effectively for themselves and others.  It is open to people of all denominations in Mercer County.

RSVP: If you plan to attend the dinner to Beth Englezos at bethe@jfcsonline.org or 609-987-8100, ext. 126.

JFCS Brings Help, Hope & Healing to Hightstown & East Windsor Communities

September 26, 2018 (Hightstown, NJ) – Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County (JFCS) proudly opened a new satellite office at 133 Main Street in Hightstown on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 to help youth in Crisis. The agency is now positioned to offer supportive services at a location convenient to the communities of East Windsor and Hightstown. Services will be targeted towards teens and young adults struggling with mental health concerns, those in need of stabilization and education for navigating these challenges, as well as serving as a bridge to a broad referral network of high-level services for substance abuse and acute mental health crises. “Our new location is an example of the JFCS commitment to sharing help, hope and healing to our broader community,” said Michelle Napell, Executive Director of JFCS. “Mental health challenges have come to the forefront of the national headlines this year, and it is more important than ever to recognize the need for support and education among our youth, in schools, and to parents.” The expansion into the East Windsor & Hightstown communities is funded by the County of Mercer Department of Human Services and supported by I.C.A.R.E of East Windsor-Hightstown (Initiative for Counseling, Addiction, Renewal & Education). Two years ago a group of concerned Hightstown and East Windsor residents voiced their concerns through structured focus groups and surveys over the lack of counseling services available in their community.  It became clear that this area was underserved and would benefit from community based support services that would include assessment, education and referral services. This coalition was the start of ICARE, the leadership of which then turned to JFCS for the expertise in mental health in order to deliver supportive services to the community. “The launch of the JFCS offices on Main Street is a testament to the strength of our community,” said Mayor Janice Mironov of East Windsor. “To see the efforts of concerned parents and educators come together with the professional resources of JFCS is remarkable and I look forward to seeing this partnership make a true difference for our community.” Services available at 133 Main Street will include:
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse Stabilization Services
  • Crisis Case Management
  • On-going Support
  • Community Outreach & Education
  • Information & Referral
Office hours will be Monday through Thursday 2:00 – 7:00 PM. For those who wish to learn more about these services or make a referral may call 609-987-8100.
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