We are back to school in a fashion that is not familiar. Kids are feeling a wide spectrum of emotions. Some are coming back full of excitement, some are very fearful, some wish they were still at home. This transition is an adjustment on many levels.
To help the adjustment process here are a few tips for parents:
Talk with your children and see how they are feeling about being back to school. Validate their feelings so they feel supported and understood.
Remind your children that wearing a mask is important. It is one thing they can do to help them feel more confident and in control of their environment.
Encourage your children to reduce their stress and anxiety with activities they enjoy such as being outside, reading, exercise etc.
Make sure your children are getting a good night's sleep, eating healthy and staying hydrated. It seems simplistic, but it helps sustain strong physical and mental health.
Help your children focus on what they can control. Wearing masks, keeping distance and washing their hands.
Whether your children are in a virtual or in-person learning environment, having a consistent schedule is critical to their mental health. In these changing times having a routine they can rely on provides the stability they need.
Teach coping skills. Simple breathing techniques can help calm children. This is an important life skill.
Breathing techniques for teens and tweens
Breathing techniques for elementary age students
Virtual learning can bring new challenges and complexities to life. Below is an article focused on high school students.
How to conquer virtual learning through Covid
The most important thing you can do as a parent is model healthy behavior. If your children see you as anxious and worried they will take those cues from you. Use words that build confidence in your children. This is stressful but we will get through it. This is different but we have tools to help us get through this. This is hard, but we are strong.
As for us parents…..we need to take a deep breath as well because this is hard and we will get through it!