Isabelle 
With everything that’s happened in the past year in a half, with the schools opening, closing, online remote learning, etc… It’s normal to be anxious and nervous about returning to school.
Many of us (adults and children alike) are anticipating the return to school this September with a mix of emotions.
Returning to School Tips For Your Little Ones
With children who will be experimenting with school for the first time, this can be a mixture of joy, happiness, and fear of the unknown.
Let’s not forget the possibility of separation anxiety that can occur.
To help, see if you can visit the school before the school year begins.
Rehearse the drop-off and spend time on the playground or inside the classroom if the building is open. This can help a lot with the fear of the unknown, the separation anxiety, and the anticipation to start!
Back to School and the Older Children
Now, with children that have already been to school before and have lived the online remote learning experience. This return can become confusing. Many will be questioning the rules about face covering, social distancing, hand disinfection, and more.
It’s important to answer as many questions as possible, and if we don’t know the answer, explain that we will get the information.
It’s important not to dismiss our children’s questions or fears. We need to be able to address their concerns honestly and truthfully.
We need to be open and flexible. Children need to understand that the possibility of going back to online remote learning is still there and that it’s ok.
Here Are a Few Tips to Help You Start the School Year on the Right Foot:
It’s normal to be anxious and nervous about returning to school, but the following tips can help smooth the way.
- 1st, get the routine back on track! Start with the bedtimes and early rising. Try to get this routine back about 2 weeks prior to the start of school. Simply start with 15 minutes each day. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier each night until you’ve reached your school goal.
- Make sure you’ve got everything you need. Sound easy enough. Think about school supplies, lunches, snacks, backpacks, lunch boxes, shoes, and clothes.
- Be there for your child. I know I’ve repeated myself here, but, it’s important to be present and ready to answer all their questions when they arrive.
- Prepare things in advance. Like the clothes that will be worn, the table for the next morning’s breakfast, lunches, and snacks, and backpack. All this preparation will help a lot with the morning routine and the level of stress.
