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(Prairie News Service) Many North Dakota districts this week kick off a new school year, and a state initiative has advice for parents if their child is expressing a lot nerves about transitioning back to the classroom.

Through its Parents Lead program, the state Health and Human Services Department offers resources it says can help parents and caregivers support the behavioral health and well-being of students year-round.

Department Behavioral Health Division Administrator Sara Kapp said it's especially beneficial right now, as families get into back-to-school mode.

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If there are signs of anxiety or anxiousness, she said being present for those moments is vital.

"It's just really trying to understand your child's behaviors," said Kapp, "and the messages they're sending to you. "

Program leaders say in sparking these conversations, parents and caregivers should demonstrate that the child's feelings are valid and reassure them it's okay to feel extra nervous.

As the school year takes shape, they also recommend asking your child about their day.

Encouraging face-to-face time with friends and establishing routines, such as relaxation time after school, are other tips.

In the social media age, many parents like to post first-day-of-school pictures taken outside the family home.

Kapp said if your child has strongly expressed their desire not to do that tradition, it might be better to respect their boundaries.

"You know, even as an adult, sometimes we don't want our pictures taken," said Kapp. "And so just being mindful of those things too, that those can also increase your child's anxiety."

She said that approach can also take pressure off a parent who's feeling overwhelmed and not wanting to meet all the social media standards.

While each family might have different stressors at home, Kapp acknowledged that creating added awareness might result in a more comfortable classroom environment for all students and teachers.

The Parents Lead website also has information about what to do if behavioral issues grow larger during the school year.