Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Back to school time is always stressful, but it could be more than just stress for some members of the family.

It could lead to, be the start of, or exacerbate mental health problems, according to Memorial Behavioral Health‘s Behavioral Therapy Services Manager, Jonathan Ponser, who tells the WTAX Morning Newswatch parents need to help their kids.

“Hopefully, leading up to the school year, parents have already been working with their kids on getting on a better sleep routine, that sort of thing.  I know a lot of times that goes by the wayside during the summer,” said Ponser.  “Also, preparation, in terms of what to expect when you’re going to school, especially if you’re going to a new school, where maybe you have a locker now, and you didn’t before, maybe practicing how to use those combination locks, that sort of thing.”

Ponser also suggests parents rehearse with their kids what they can do, or where to go while at school, if mental health issues become more difficult to handle.

But, Ponser says, talking with your kids at home can be helpful, especially if they end up wanting to talk.

“Make it a routine that, at the end of each day, we’re checking in on what’s going on, and being okay to just sit back and listen, especially with teenagers,” said Ponser.  “If they feel like you’re pressuring on them too much, they might just bottle up and not tell you a whole lot.”

Ponser says signs there may be some mental health issues with your kids might be if they go from being talkative to shutting down easily, or if they’re not as willing to interact with the rest of the family as they used to.  He urges parents to not just ask how kids are doing academically, but also socially, because that may be the main point of stress.

He says maybe integrating some talking into family activities might help, too.