Supporting Kids Returning to School

Schools around the country are rolling out their reopening plans for this coming school year. Some schools are going to open completely in person. Some are completely virtual. Some are doing a combination of in person and virtual instruction. While we don’t know exactly what school will look like in the fall; we do know that students and educators will need support during this time.

Here are some ways you can support students and educators as they return to school:

• Listen—listen well. With the all the events that have happened since March, it’s highly likely that some students and teachers may be experiencing a plethora for emotions about their return to
  school. These may include fear, anger, and excitement. For parents and educators, it will be important to listen to students and express an understanding of what they are going through. Empathy will go a long way. Let students know you understand where they are coming from and do your best to engage in some problem solving to address concerns. If you are an educator, or have an educator in your life, let them know that you understand their anxiety about returning to school. Adults need support as well.

• Be honest- students with anxiety will need reassurance from adults in their life. However, we don’t want to invalidate them and create more fear by making blanket statements such as “everything will be fine, or there’s no reason to be afraid.” Instead, be open and honest acknowledging that there are risks involved in returning to school. Then focus on safety measures to reduce those risks. Help kids understand the reasons behind social distancing, mask wearing, and assigned seating on school buses.

• Demonstrate effective coping skills—as a parent or educator, it’s fine to let students know that you are also experiencing uncertainty. Then demonstrate how they can use coping skills to manage that fear. This may mean demonstrating deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation,or some other form of relaxation. It is also important to be open and honest with students about the future. This may mean conversations about possible future school closures, that there may be other stressful situations in the school year, and the possibility of a classmate or teacher becoming ill with COVID19. It’s important to reiterate that we can’t control the future, but we can control ourselves by taking things one day at a time and focusing on enjoying the present.

• Take care of you—it’s unrealistic to expect parents or educators to provide support to children if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Make sure to look after your own physical and mental well being. Eat well, sleep well, and exercise. Talk to a mental health therapist if you find that you are struggling with anxiety and depression that is hard to manage.

There are many unknowns about this upcoming school year. Cases of COVID19 are increasing. Districts are doing their best to ensure safe reopening procedures. No matter what, many students and teachers
may feel anxiety as they return to school. If you have a student or educator in your life, show them some grace, empathy, and kindness. Be supportive and encouraging as they venture back to school and to work.

I’d love to hear how you are supporting your children or the teachers in your life as they return to a new way of schooling. Drop me a comment and let me know.

To Health, Hope, and Healing

Krista