As an adult, dealing with the many changes of COVID-19 was stressful. Wearing a mask, staying at home, social distancing, and working from home became our new normal. I know it was difficult for adults, and I can only imagine how this new way of life impacted children. They were forced to do virtual learning, be isolated from their friends, and miss out on school social functions and sports. Unfortunately, they had to adjust to all of this quickly.
Now that school is reopening and students are returning back to the classroom, I have noticed many students are struggling with their return to school. The transition from doing school in the comfort of your home to being back in a building with others and more structure can be overwhelming. As someone who is helping children successfully return to school, I wanted to offer some helpful tips in case you notice your child struggling:
- Check for warning signs such as more complaints than usual of stomach aches, tight chest, or headaches. Oftentimes, this stems from anxiety. Children tend to inform their parent of physical pain before emotional pain.
- Validate your child’s fear of returning to school. It is very normal for children to feel overwhelmed and nervous about returning to school. In fact, these emotions will commonly accompany the thought of returning to school. Let them know this emotion is normal. However, if they avoid school, this doesn’t teach them how to cope with the feeling. The more children learn to avoid these feelings, the more they are at risk for forming avoidant behaviors towards things that are difficult for them.
- Many times, children will say school is difficult or that they “just can’t do it.” Ask them things about their day they are capable of doing and talking about such as lunch, walking in the hall, recess, specials, getting on the bus, their favorite teacher, study hall, etc. Children often lose sight of the easy parts of their day and this helps them understand that the entire day isn’t difficult, just certain parts.
- If your child refuses to go to school, make home life uncomfortable. Their day at home should model their school day as closely as possible. Implement as many rules as possible at home that would be implemented at school such as getting dressed, start time, lunch time, no electronics, no extra snacks during the day, and remaining logged on all day to their classes.
- Don’t forget to use your resources. If your child is struggling, reach out to their teacher(s) and contact the guidance counselor. Many schools have made provisions to help children who are struggling. Check into your child’s school to see what services they offer or ask if they can give you information for community resources that can possibly help.
- Last but not least, parents, give yourself grace. It is very common for kids to struggle with this transition. We are all trying to figure this out. Accept the fact that you may be stressed, overwhelmed, and frustrated at times. Do your best to not express those feelings towards your child. However, do talk about it with another adult. Don’t shame yourself as a parent while you are trying to navigate through this difficult phase.
