I don't think I'm alone in saying that I'm nervous about school starting again. And if I'm nervous, I can't imagine how students feel!
Whether school is virtual, hybrid or in the building, it will be different this year. New routines can be unsettling after months of trying to adjust to a new normal, separation anxiety and stress over health.
How can we ease our children's anxiety (and possibly our own) about returning to learning? Here are some resources we found:
- How do we know when our children are anxious and what can we do about it? Two experts share their takes with UC Davis Health, opens a new window on the signs of anxiety. They recommend that when in doubt, professionals are there to help you through this.
- HealthyChildren.org, opens a new window tackles school during COVID-19 for students with ADHD, whether in person or virtually. It's important to continue your child's IEP plan and work with the school district to ensure your child gets the services they need.
- Emerson Hospital, opens a new window offers 10 ways to help soothe anxiety before and after the start of school. My favorite piece of advice: keep the (developmentally appropriate) conversations going.
- How will you create an environment for learning? The Los Angeles Times, opens a new window interviewed an educational professional to get the ins and outs of a great virtual learning experience.
- The Cleveland Clinic, opens a new window wants us to remember that children will make mistakes at first. Go easy on them and remind them of the rules.
- USAToday, opens a new window emphasizes that each child is different in their article for parents about virtual learning.
- Futurity, opens a new window has 4 tips parents can start doing right now. They suggest finding small ways to allow children to feel like they're in control.
- Tackle separation anxiety with these ideas from Sesame Street in Communities, opens a new window. Make up your own goodbye ritual and use it every day before school!
- Children's Health Hospital, opens a new window recommends stopping by your child's school to review how they'll start and end their day, along with other great tips.
- Houston Methodist Hospital, opens a new window has helpful tips for parents of virtual learners who are working from home. Try to stay flexible during interruptions!
- This article from UNICEF, opens a new window emphasizes the many ways to help your child's mental health during this transition, including what to do if your child isn't in the same cohort as their friends.
- The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, opens a new window has an extensive list of ways to get ready for the first day of school. If your child is having trouble wearing a mask, look no further than their tips for normalizing masks.
- Psychology Today, opens a new window addresses the concerns of parents and caregivers. Every child is different and there is no answer that will work for everyone.
What's working for you? How do you plan to ease back into school? Let us know in the comments below.
