The first few weeks of school aren’t just about bulletin boards and icebreakers. They’re the perfect time to notice the small shifts in our students that tell us something deeper might be going on.

In this episode, I'm sharing practical ways to recognize red flags early, along with strategies to check in without making students feel called out.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to spot withdrawal in a student who used to be engaged
• Why perfectionism may really be anxiety in disguise
• When humor turns from fun to a red flag
• The patterns behind frequent nurse visits
• How to check in with “everything’s fine” students
• The top “early warning radar” signs to watch for weeks 1–4

Encouragement for Counselors:

Your instincts matter. Be curious, not judgmental. A small check-in today can redirect the entire course of a student’s year, and sometimes, their life.

Links Mentioned:

Forced Choice Behavioral Surveys

Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast

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Connect with Carol:

• TpT Store
• Counseling Essentials Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group
• Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group
• High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership