Boys Town Addresses October’s Behavioral Slump: Tips from Behavioral Health Experts to Support Families
Boys Town, Neb. – As October is in full force, many children experience the "October Behavioral Slump," where school excitement wanes, and behavioral challenges rise. Boys Town’s behavioral health experts are stepping in to offer advice and tools to help parents support their children’s mental well-being during this period.
“October can be a challenging time for kids, as routines solidify and school pressures increase,” said Dr. Julie Almquist, Manager of Boys Town Behavioral Health Clinic. “It’s essential for parents to recognize this phase and guide children through it using effective strategies.”
Boys Town’s approach emphasizes the importance of early intervention, understanding emotional shifts, and developing strong school-home communication to prevent behavioral issues from escalating.
5 Parenting Tips for Navigating the October Slump & Parent-Teacher Conferences:
1. Watch for Changes: Pay attention to shifts in your child’s mood, energy, or behavior. Early signs of stress or frustration can appear before more significant behavioral problems emerge.
2. Open Communication: Have frequent, low-pressure conversations about school. Encourage your child to share their experiences and listen without judgment.
3. Create Consistency: Establish predictable routines for homework, play, and sleep to help reduce stress and keep kids on track.
4. Set Goals Together: Help children create manageable goals for schoolwork or behavior, fostering a sense of achievement and control.
5. Team Up with Teachers: During parent-teacher conferences, collaborate with educators to identify strengths and areas for growth, working together on positive solutions.
Boys Town’s behavioral health services, including counseling and online resources, aim to provide families with tools to strengthen their emotional well-being. Throughout October, Boys Town will offer expert-led Facebook live sessions focusing on managing behavioral slumps and navigating parent-teacher conferences.
For more information about Boys Town’s behavioral health services or to schedule an interview with one of our experts, visit www.parenting.org.
About Boys Town:
For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America's children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town provides compassionate, research-proven education, prevention, training, and treatment for behavioral and physical problems in multiple locations throughout the United States, with a comprehensive array of services. In 2023, more than 715,000 children and families across the United States were impacted by Boys Town programs. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.
