“Should I involve my son's school social worker in his mental health?”

Great question! Yes, it is generally encouraged to expand your support network to help your son. Showing him that there is help beyond your instincts speaks volumes to modeling resilience. Talk and expand your support network as well. Your kiddo will appreciate being able to speak to someone that isn't you. Sometimes parents repeat themselves and the child doesn't always hear the things that you are sharing with him.

Involving a school social worker in your son's mental health can be a positive and helpful step, especially if youre noticing behaviors or challenges that impact his well-being or ability to function effectively at school. Here are some factors to consider when making this decision: *When to Involve a School Social Worker:* 1. Concerns Affecting School Performance: If your son's mental health is interfering with his ability to focus, participate, or succeed in school, a social worker can help address these challenges. 2. Need for School-Based Support: Social workers can provide individual counseling, connect your son to in-school resources, or help create an individualized plan (e.g., a 504 Plan or IEP). 3. Signs of Stress or Emotional Struggles: If your son is showing signs of anxiety, depression, difficulty managing emotions, or other struggles, a social worker can offer support and guidance. 4. Family or Environmental Stressors: If external factors (e.g., family changes, bullying, or peer conflicts) are affecting your sons mental health, the social worker can provide a safe space for him to process and cope. 5. Collaboration with Outside Resources: School social workers can coordinate with external therapists or mental health professionals to create a cohesive plan that supports your son both at home and at school. *Benefits of Involving a School Social Worker:* Access to Resources: They often know about local and community resources, including therapists, programs, or support groups. Advocacy: They can advocate for your son's needs within the school system. Early Intervention: Addressing issues early can prevent them from escalating. Connection: Your son may feel more comfortable talking to someone at school who understands the environment hes navigating. *Steps to Take:* 1. Discuss the Idea with Your Son (if appropriate): Depending on his age and maturity, it may help to explain why you think this could be helpful and ensure he feels involved in the process. 2. Contact the Social Worker: Reach out to the school's social worker to schedule a meeting and share your concerns. Be as specific as possible about what youve noticed. 3. Set Clear Goals: Share your hopes for what you and your son would like to achieve by involving the social worker (e.g., emotional support, strategies for coping, academic adjustments). 4. Follow-Up: Regularly check in with both your son and the social worker to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed. *Trust Your Instincts:* As a parent, you know your child best. If you believe additional support is needed, taking proactive steps such as involving the school social worker is a sign of care and advocacy for his well-being. If you are unsure, you can also consult with his teacher, a pediatrician, or a counselor for their input.

It is absolutely fine to bring forward your concerns about what you notice and believe to be the connection to school. School social workers and psychologists, if the school has them, play a pivotal role in detecting mental health challenges faced by students. They also operate as a resource within the school to help while your children are at school. If you feel like your son is having issues at school, such as bullying, it is 100% appropriate to voice those and get an understanding of resources that can be utilized within the school.

You are right to be concerned about some of your observations. The school social worker seems like the appropriate person to express your concerns to. You may receive referrals for indivual or group counseling for your son. Another place to express your concerns is with his primary care provider. When the time seems right ask your son how he is feeling about himself, his friends and his life. There may be some aha moments for both of you. Find the right balance as a parent, between being a helicopter and distancing. Your son may have insight as to what he needs from you.

Yes, it is a good idea to have the school, primary care and home working as a team to help your son.

Looping a social worker in can help coordinate resources and support for your son while he is in your care and at school.

Hello, Thanks for reaching out. You could definitely speak to the social worker about your concerns so they could observe and possibly speak to him. There could be other things to explore, do yall have open communication at home? Bullying could definitely be something that could lead to symptoms of depression, but it could also be about academics, not knowing who he is yet, making friends, future goals, etc. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Best, Tiffany

Despite school staff being overworked and underpaid, they want to help your child! If your child is struggling with mental health, the school will keep it confidential and they want to offer supports. Your child may be struggling in school, being bullied, coping with depression, coping with a significant loss, or even being abused by someone in the community. School administration does not always communicate cases of bullying to counselors if they are investigating the situation. Due to time constraints, they often do not have the opportunity to follow up with the social worker on each case. However, child and adolescent suicide is on the rise and if you have any inkling that your child may be struggling with sadness or depression, make an appointment with a therapist as soon as possible. In the meantime, try talking to the school counselor to check in on your child; these professionals can often offer the best solutions after meeting your individual child and knowing the resources in your community.

Yes, involve the school social worker. There are generally programs at school are built around children dealing with issues that cause them concern. Middle school is a tough time for boys. They are coming to terms with their sexuality. Their peer group becomes all important, and they are trying to come to terms with who they are and who they want to be.