Some children may experience , for example. Others may be in the playground or about connecting with their friends again.
Parents and carers might be wondering what they can do to support their child as they return to school. Here are five tips that can help.
1. Renegotiate routines
Like adults, children and teens are likely to have established quite different routines during lockdown. They may have also become accustomed to than usual.
To ease the transition to a regular school routine, it is worth making slow adjustments like getting up and going to bed at a more consistent time. Parents can by negotiating new routines with their child. While teens may be more resistant to parents placing restrictions on their screen time, this is when parents provide explanations and acknowledge teens’ perspectives.
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2. Allow time for adjustment
Returning to school may bring uncertainty, excitement, fatigue or other big emotions. Some children may seem particularly tired after their first few days, while others may be more sensitive or less tolerant than usual.
Don’t despair if your child seems to experience more big emotions at home than at school: this likely means that to return to! Help children to name any negative emotions that arise, such as frustration, and gently coach them to consider other ways of expressing themselves.
Be tolerant yourself, and don’t sweat the small things.
Bentleigh Secondary College students are seen returning to school as COVID-19 restrictions are eased across Victoria, in Melbourne, Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Source: AAP
3. Acknowledge children’s worries
Children and teens may have specific worries related to COVID-19, to changing friendships, or to being back at school. Younger children may also experience separation anxiety after extended periods of as their sole source of social connection.
If your child raises concerns about whether they will be safe returning to school, it is useful to provide simple and factual information about COVID-19 while that the adults around them are there to help them stay healthy. Adopt a problem-solving approach: helping children to focus on what they can control, rather than worrying about things that are outside our control.
Regardless of the source of their worries, it is important to acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings. You can point out that many children may be feeling the same way, and that their concerns are understandable. At the same time, remaining calm and focusing on the positive aspects of returning to school can help to relieve some of their concerns.
4. Coach empathy
Children and teens have had different experiences during lockdown and may have different feelings about being back at school. Understanding that other children may feel differently can help your child to be a good friend.
Before returning to school, remind children that some of their friends will feel more nervous about returning than others. In primary school, some might also .
If your child has been in a “friendship bubble” with only a small number of other friends, encourage them to include those who have not. Being empathetic towards others and acknowledging how they are feeling will not only , it is also an important to master.
Parents who are optimistic can help their children develop a positive attitude to being back at school. Source: AAP
5. Be optimistic
Remember that most children adjust well when faced with new challenges. Parents can prompt children and teens to remember what they enjoy most about school to help them look forward to returning. Reminiscing about funny stories or enjoyable school events that children have experienced can .
It is important to still acknowledge your child’s feelings if they express a preference for learning from home. You may wish to share these concerns with their teacher. However, it is helpful for your own approach to reflect and . Avoid : parent anxiety can be contagious!
If you observe any concerning and sustained changes in your child’s behaviour as they navigate the return to school, their school or GP can help connect them with additional support. Other resources that can help include , , or .
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