'Curious Conversations' podcast: Rosanna Breaux talks about navigating back-to-school emotions
Rosanna Breaux joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to chat about the challenges and emotions children may experience during the transition back to school. The discussion includes red flags to look for as well as coping skills and support parents and caregivers can provide to help their children navigate the school year. The conversation touches on the impact of recent bans on students having individual smart devices in schools.
About Breaux
Breaux is assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and director of the Child Study Center at Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on the social, emotional, and academic functioning of children and adolescents, particularly those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. She is also interested in understanding the role parents play in shaping children and adolescent's social-emotional development with a focus on emotion regulation.
Three takeaways
Anxiety is a common emotion associated with the return to school, but major changes in behavior or emotions may indicate that a child is struggling with the transition.
Establishing routines and healthy habits, such as consistent bedtimes and nutritious meals, can help children adjust to the school year as well as teaching them coping skills, such as deep breathing.
Having at least one friend or ally in the lunchroom can increase a child's likeability among other peers and help that child feel more comfortable.
Learn more
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Rosanna Breaux named Jerry L. Hulick Faculty Fellow for Special Needs, Disabilities, and Inclusion
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About the podcast
"Curious Conversations" is a series of free-flowing conversations with Virginia Tech researchers that take place at the intersection of world-class research and everyday life. Produced and hosted by Virginia Tech writer and editor Travis Williams, university researchers share their expertise and motivations as well as the practical applications of their work in a format that more closely resembles chats at a cookout than classroom lectures. New episodes are shared each Tuesday.
