A Connecticut mom is urging families to place emotional and mental well-being at the forefront as the new school year begins.
Summary: Nicole Hockley, whose son Dylan was one of the victims of the Sandy Hook School shooting in 2012, emphasizes that daily conversations about feelings can be lifesaving. She wants parents to look beyond backpacks and schedules to check in on their children’s emotional health and to build a supportive environment at home and in school.
Nicole Hockley, who lost her son Dylan in the Sandy Hook tragedy, says warning signs can be missed and wonders what might have happened if there had been more opportunities to intervene. She credits daily, honest conversations with helping kids feel safer and more connected, and she believes these discussions can be meaningful and even lifesaving during the back-to-school season.
Here are her five practical ways to support children’s emotional wellness as they return to the classroom:
1) Give Them Breathing Space After School
Allow kids time to unwind and process their day. A simple feelings check-in on a scale from one to five can help them share what they’re feeling without feeling grilled. The goal is to respect their boundaries and encourage conversation rather than asking a long string of questions.
2) Be an Empathetic Guide in Their Digital World
Talk openly about what kids see online, who they follow, and how online content affects their feelings. This helps them navigate social media with trusted guidance from caring adults.
3) Build Their Confidence in Social Situations
Encourage small acts of inclusion, like inviting a classmate to sit with them at lunch, and model positive responses to bullying. Demonstrating how to stand up for others reinforces belonging and self-worth.
4) Help Them Name Their Trusted Adult
Identify a person a child can turn to when they’re struggling—whether a teacher, coach, or another trusted adult—so they know where to seek help.
5) Create Moments of Belonging Through Kindness
Simple gestures—saying hello, offering a smile, or asking a classmate how they’re doing—can foster a sense of belonging and make a big difference in a child’s day.
Sandy Hook Promise, the organization behind these recommendations, works not only to prevent gun violence in schools but also to equip young people with skills to help build emotionally supportive communities where every student feels seen and valued.
Why this matters now
As students head back to class, conversations about feelings and relationships can reduce anxiety, help kids cope with stress, and promote healthier, more connected school communities. By normalizing these discussions, families and schools can create safer environments where children feel encouraged to seek help and support when they need it.
Editorial note
If parents and school leaders adopt these practices consistently, there can be a broader, positive impact on school culture—fostering resilience and closer, more supportive peer networks that benefit all students.
Additional value and reflections
– Teachers and counselors can incorporate brief daily check-ins into homeroom or advisory periods to reinforce these habits.
– Social-emotional learning resources tailored for different ages can pair with the five steps to provide concrete activities and conversation prompts.
– A hopeful takeaway: small, regular acts of kindness and attentive listening can accumulate into a strong, protective community around every child as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and schooling.