Back to school jitters are not uncommon for most students. This year with COVID-19 dominating the news and the lack of closure of the last school year, children may be feeling especially anxious. What can we as parents do to help our children deal with their feelings and fears?
School districts are doing their best to figure out how to have school this year during the pandemic. Parents are agonizing about their options of on-line learning, in-person learning or a combination of the two. The uncertainty of it all can be very stressful and confusing for our kids.
What can we do to help our children cope with this school year?
Dr. Nicole Beurkins, a holistic child psychologist, has some tips for how to calm your child’s back-to-school anxiety.
- Check in with your child frequently and listen to their concerns.
- Help your child focus on what they can control such as hand-washing, wearing a face mask and practicing social distancing.
- Explain to your child what you do know about what the school year will look like this year and help them mentally prepare.
- Seek tips to support virtual learning if your child is going participate in virtual or remote learning.
- Whether your child will be returning to school in person or virtually, help ease them into a structured daily routine and sleep schedule.
- Help your child adjust to COVID-19 precautions such as wearing a face mask by practicing at home.
- Send positive or encouraging notes in your child’s backpack or lunch kit.
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– Becky Lynn is a writer for EllisDownHome.com. She and her husband Bob enjoy spending time with their 8 grandchildren and traveling. Becky loves cranking up the music and heading to the kitchen to try out new recipes or cook for an upcoming party. She is passionate about continuing to be a life-long learner!
