Back to School Tips Amid COVID-19

By Seasons Exchange

June and July may have been historical months for freedom but Covid continues to limit our liberty in many ways as we prepare for going back to school. We face new challenges for our children and ourselves as we prepare for a new school year. We all want the very best for them but statistics tell us that remote learning may not have been the apex for learning. Several school districts have reported academic losses and are looking for ways to bridge the gap. How do we rebound?

When the school year begins for your family, keeping a routine is important. Family meals are a great way to structure your day. Now more than ever having a chance to talk and unwind over a meal can improve mental health and wellbeing for both children and adults.

Practice active listening with your child. As parents, we want to jump in and rescue our children and wash away any worries they may have. However, it is very valuable to them for you to sit there, listen to them and understand what they are saying.

Encourage them to open up about difficult feeling and praise them for sharing. Ask them if you can help ease their nerves in any way, whether talking about what to do when anxiety comes up for you or talking about your own anxiety about it. By normalizing the dialogue of talking, you create a safe space for your child to come to you.

Here’s to a new beginning!