Sleep: Start now! Work to move your child’s bedtime closer to a school conducive time.
Academics: Identify a strength and a challenge together with your child. Recognize that all students are feeling a little unsure as we start back together.
Social: Be patient with the adjustment and check in with your child about how peer interactions are going at school. Reach out to your child’s school counselors for resources and support.
Masks: Practice wearing a mask at home so kids are not experiencing it at school for the first time. You can say things like, ‘Wearing a mask helps keep us safe and keep others around us safe,' or ‘Wearing a mask can help protect us and others from germs!”
Missing Friends: Listen and validate your child’s feelings. For example “I hear you and I’m sorry. I know this is tough. We’ll get through it together. Let me know how I can help you.”
Separation Anxiety: Positively talk with your child about the upcoming changes and review what the days will look like with your child. Assure your child about safety at school and while away from you.
Parent Worries: Practice self-care and know that you are doing the best you can in difficult circumstances. Please reach out to your school for assistance if needed. We’re here to help. One of the best ways to take care of your child and address their concerns is by making it a priority to take care of yourself, too.
Child Worries: Mindfulness practice can help with anxiety in children and adults of all ages. Studies have shown improvement in attention and behavior, anxiety and depression, physical benefits, and with sleep patterns. There are many books about mindfulness available as well as apps. Even just the simple act of taking three deep breaths can help your mind and body calm down and reset.
Routine: Make a family routine chart together. Discuss what new routines will look like and check in with your children about questions or concerns they have with the new routine. Recognize there may be some initial negative behavior as children readjust to school expectations and the academic day.
Questions and information about COVID: Answer questions about the pandemic simply & honestly. Even if you aren't sure how to answer their questions, you can reassure them by saying things like, ‘As we find out more information, we'll let you know' or ‘If you hear something about this, please ask us.'
GO FOR GRATITUDE
Focus on the positive. For what do you feel gratitude or appreciation? Research shows that regularly expressing gratitude helps boost overall happiness, leading to lower rates of stress and depression. Help your child write down at least three people, places, events, or things each day that makes them feel thankful. Keep your own gratitude journal, too!
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