Sending your child off to a new school year is exciting and nerve-wracking in itself; now the pandemic has created a new set of worries.
Millions of parents are navigating through this unusual time. Whether you’ve opted for online lessons or you’re sending your child back to school, each require tremendous support. Here are some helpful tips on how to prepare your child for the new school year during this ongoing pandemic.
6 Helpful Tips
1) Emotional and Health Check- Ins
Daily check-ins with your child’s emotional and mental state, especially during these complicated times is essential. Class downsizing, distance from peers, and limited interactions in schools can discourage and confuse your child. Ensure your child has a safe space to express their fears and concerns.
Additionally, health check-ins are just as important. Make sure to take your child’s temperature when you can. If they inform you on any flu-related symptoms, take them to the doctor, inform the school and take the precautionary measurements as outlined by professionals.
2) Open and Honest Conversations
Beyond creating a safe space for discussion, aim to be transparent with your children. Encourage your child to ask questions. Some questions may be as simple how many times to wash their hands, while other questions may be more difficult to answer. We don’t have all the answers and let them know that.
Above all, instil the importance of working together to keep themselves and the community safe at all times.
3) Creating a Positive Mindset
Developing a positive outlook on the current situation in schools and the world will encourage your child to do the same.
Positivity can be expressed through making certain tasks more enjoyable. Letting your child pick their favourite song to wash their hands to or allowing them to design their face masks are all ways to add some enjoyment during this time.
4) Setting a Routine
Routine adds structure to any day and can be helpful for your child. Waking up at a certain time, eating breakfast, and getting dressed all add a steady flow to school days. This may add comfort for your child when they feel some form of stability from a schedule.
5) Sanitation Practices
There’s no better way to teach your child proper sanitation than setting an example for your children. Showing your child the importance of rigorous hand washing, wearing face masks, and covering your sneezes will enable your child to follow your steps.
If they express their discomfort with these practices, take this opportunity to instil empathy. Let them know that you understand their discomfort, but beyond their health, wearing a mask protects their loved ones and their community.
As a fun activity, cover your child’s hands in glitter and have them wash their hands until they’ve removed all of it. This stresses how thorough they must be when washing their hands.
6) Maintaining Contact with Schools
While governments have implemented a back to school plan, every school is adjusting/adding different protocols. Make sure you’re in contact with teachers and the school so that you’re updated on changes and rules that effect your child.
Teachers and schools are doing the best they can during this pandemic. Following the appropriate rules and regulations will help ensure some stability in your child’s school experience.
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