It’s been awhile since your kids have seen the inside of a classroom. They may be ready to get back into the swing of things, but are you?
And are they… Really?
Here are some helpful tips about how to get your kids ready for school during COVID.
Try to start the year off right by doing things that you always do, to prepare for the school year. Start by making sure your kids have the right school supplies – buy items like notebooks, pens, pencils, and a backpack. Make sure to add masks and sanitizer to this year’s list. That way, they have something to look forward to and have something familiar to take with them at the beginning of the school year.
Prepare for the first day of school with a little bit of practice – make sure they know where their classroom is located and who their teachers are. Again, try to keep processes as familiar as possible and a great way to start would be making sure that they are comfortable in their new setting, especially if things have changed as a result of COVID.
Get them excited about going to in-person schools with some fun activities – maybe try out a new hobby or take them on an adventure first. That way they will be used to being outside of the home and will know what to expect as they interact in a world with COVID.
Make it clear that this will be something both you and your children are doing together. They will feel better if they know that they are not having to leave the comfort of their homes, without a sacrifice from their parents well.
Try not to worry too much! COVID is not the only thing that you won’t be able to completely protect them from. Taking risks and doing something different is just one more step in growing up 🙂
Encourage them to talk about how they feel about having to go to school during COVID and don’t be afraid to express your own feelings as well – be sure not to project your fear or instill fear in your children, however.
Make sure they are well rested before leaving on their first day. Many children have gotten used to staying up past their normal bedtimes due to the summer break as well as a change in their scholastic routine. Be sure to make efforts to get them back on track before their first day of return to face-to-face classes.
Discuss how to get along with their peers during COVID, especially where their opinions might conflict or exposure to COVID may differ. This is particularly important if your child has had limited exposure to COVID, versus others in the school, and vice versa. Make sure that your kid both understands how to interact themselves, as well as how to support others.
Talk about what to expect when coming back from COVID – will they be going straight home or staying at a friend’s house after school, etc.? Don’t take for granted that whatever was working pre-COVID will still be applicable today. Take note of how COVID influences your family and create an after- school care system that works accordingly.
It’s that time of year again and it feels like summer just ended. Only this time, you have to go through “all the feelings” in the face of COVID. You’re looking at your calendar, you’ve got a few weeks before school starts up again and you can’t wrap your head around how to return to school during COVID.
It’s a hard decision to make, but with the proper support we are sure you will make the right decision for your family. If you need help proceeding, please contact one of our black therapist today.