Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health for a Smooth Back-to-School Transition
Aug 12, 2026 | Mental Health, Faces of HDGH
As another school year approaches, Patrick Kolowicz, Director of the Regional Children’s Centre (RCC), and Lori Kempe, Executive Lead for Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency, share how families in Windsor-Essex can support their children’s emotional well-being and where to find help along the way.
For most families, summer is a time for fun, family, and a well-deserved break from the classroom. Many children spend their summer days swimming, playing outside, attending camp, or creating memories with friends and family. But as August progresses, families begin thinking about the upcoming school year.
For children and youth, this transition can bring a wide range of emotions. Some kids can’t wait to see their friends and teachers again, while others may feel nervous about entering a new classroom, starting at a new school, or adjusting to a new schedule. All of these feelings are completely normal.
Going back to school isn't just about buying backpacks and school supplies. It's also a good time to check in on your child's mental health and emotional well-being. A simple conversation can make a big difference. Ask your child how they are feeling about going back to school. Listen to what they say. Celebrate what they are excited about, and talk through any worries they may have. Let them know it's okay to ask for help when they need it.
Resources & Services to Help You Navigate
If your child is feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) offers dedicated programs and resources designed to help children, youth, and their families thrive.
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare's Regional Children's Centre (RCC) is an accredited children’s mental health centre working in collaboration with children, youth, and their families who are experiencing mental health and/or developmental concerns. RCC serves as the front door for child and youth mental health services across our community, helping families connect with the supports that best meet their needs. HDGH is also the designated Lead Agency for Child and Youth Mental Health in Windsor-Essex, with responsibility for undertaking community planning to support the effective delivery of child and youth mental health services across our community. We recently launched a newly redesigned website for RCC, making it easier to navigate, find resources, and connect with the supports that matter most.
Through this partnership, WEConnectKids was created to help children, youth, and their families connect with the most appropriate services based on their unique needs;—whether they are looking for early support, counselling, developmental services, or simply guidance on where to begin. WEConnectKids provides free, confidential navigation and helps ensure families don't have to figure out the system on their own. To access this service, you can reach out by calling 519-257-KIDS (5437) or walk-in during our office hours, Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Another valuable resource is the WEConnectKids online Program Directory, which allows youth, parents and caregivers to search for local mental health, developmental and family support services across Windsor-Essex. Whether you're looking for counselling, parenting programs, peer support or community services, it's designed to make finding help easier.
ParentLink is also a great tool to help support parents and their children. ParentLink offers workshops, educational sessions and parenting resources covering topics from positive parenting and child development to anxiety, resilience and preparing children for important milestones like starting school. These programs give parents and caregivers practical strategies while connecting them with other families who may be experiencing similar challenges.
As we prepare for the school year ahead, we want to ensure no child or parent feels like they have to navigate these challenges alone. To learn and explore our resources and services, visit the Regional Children's Centre, ParentLink or WEConnectKids websites.