Returning to School After Covid-19 information for Parents
Even as your family begins transitioning back to "normal" life, it's important to remember that normal likely looks different now, and this might be uncomfortable. Your child may feel out of practice or unprepared to be back in school after so much time at home. Here you will find some information on how to help your child cope with these changes and gave a successful year.
Monitor Mental Health
In many ways, the pandemic was and continues to be, a traumatic event for everyone in the world. Be on the lookout for signs of anxiety and depression and help your student deal with lingering mental health concerns.
Possible Signs of Anxiety and Depression
- Irritability and oppositional/defiant behavior
- Frequent physical ailment, such s headaches or stomachaches, especially if no medical cause is found
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Clinginess
- Loss of interest in school and social activities
Simply not seeming like him/herself
Talk about it. Regularly talk to your child about his/her feelings. Many students may be reluctant to talk about their feelings, or let on that they're scared. And that's okay. Reassure them as much as possible that you're there to talk to, and that you and the school are doing everything possible to ensure their health and safety.
Get Back in the Swing of Things
Whether your child is ready to jump back into in-person school again, or is still feeling a lag from so much time away, it's important to be patient with your student and to remind him/her to patient with others as well. Here are some tips for getting back into a successful school routine.
- Encourage organization. It might be a little tough at first for your student to get used to his/her time being more structured again. Encourage your student to use a planner to record assignments, test, and appointments. It also helps to make-to-do lists.
- Make sure your student practices good classroom and study habits. Encourage your child to participate in class discussions, use study time wisely, and keep non-class discussions to a minimum. Your student has probably missed socializing with friends, but when in class, it's important that he/she stay focused and on task.
- Encourage patience. Like you and your family, the faculty at your school has also got through something very stressful. Be patient with the school as everyone gets back into the swing of things, and encourage your student to do the same. We're all in this together.
Stay Healthy
Mare sure that you and your child continue to do the following to stay healthy and safe:
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds (State Alphabets).
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
Stay home if you're feeling sick.
We're so glad to be Back!! Let's make this a great school year.
Information provided by Woodburn Press