Navigating Going Back to School Post-COVID

As the leaves begin to change color and cooler temps descend upon us, kids across the country are heading back to school. This year, many will feel excited yet apprehensive at the same time.   Covid was a stressful time for everyone and kids were hit particularly hard with the lockdowns. While most students are looking forward to seeing their friends and enjoying more social interaction, many will feel nervous and reluctant about returning to in-person classes.   Here are some ways parents can help their kids navigate going back to school post-Covid:   It’s Okay to Not be Okay   Encourage your child to speak openly and honestly with you and their teachers about how they are feeling. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help, whether that’s help navigating a new building, help with schoolwork, or help with processing their emotions.   Help Your Child Set Small Goals   It will be hard for many kids to come back to in-person classes after being out of the classroom for two years. To make this transition as easy as possible, help your child set small, achievable goals for the first week of school. These can be things like locating classrooms, learning teachers’ names, and reconnecting with old friends.   Take Your Child to Orientation   Attending your child’s school’s orientation event will help them feel more at ease. They can map out the school (if it’s new to them), meet their new teachers, and learn what their daily schedule will be. But perhaps most importantly, orientations allows you and your child to explore school support services. These will typically include tutoring and counseling services.   Going back to school has always been something that feels stressful to many kids, but this year in particular, many students will be having a hard time. If you follow these guidelines, your child will feel confident about the year ahead.   SOURCES:   https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2021/08/01/back-to-school-tips-help-kids-adjust-post-covid/7940286002/   https://www.futurity.org/return-to-school-teachers-covid-19-2569042/   https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-man-cave/202009/back-school-after-the-shutdown-helping-kids-and-parents