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Updated: March 10, 2021
After months of wearing pajamas and muting or turning off the camera whenever the mood strikes during distance learning , many students will find the return to "in-person" school to be a major transition. Students may experience separation anxiety, feel overwhelmed at the prospect of being around so many people again, or worry about the virus. Here are some tips from experts on ways to help our students manage the anxiety:
Anticipate challenges - One way to help alleviate worries is to role-play situations in advance. Help younger children practice introducing themselves to classmates they've only seen on the screen. Talk to older students about when and how to ask for help during class. This gives students a better sense of control and confidence going into a new situation. Ask your children what they are most worried about and talk through different approaches.
Restart a consistent schedule - Create a structured routine to help students get back on track. Setting the alarm every day and shutting off electronics earlier in the evening will help students reset to the "new norm."
Plan informal gatherings - If you're concerned about continued social isolation, consider scheduling virtual, outdoor or other Covid-cautious meetups to help students build back their social skills.
Help students embrace new protocols - Speak with students ahead of time about the importance of following new protocols and help them understand the reasons behind them. Kids will likely encounter situations where other kids aren’t following the rules. Parents can help kids handle those situations by talking through potential scenarios.
Troubleshoot with open-ended questions - Skip the generic, “How was school?” question and get creative with your queries. In some cases, it may be easier to first ask what your student did during recess that day or who they spoke to during class. Starting small and specific can open the door to conversations about bigger concerns.
Monitor for signs of anxiety - Introverted children who were comfortable with virtual learning may find in-person school especially draining at first. Look out for signs of anxiety, which in children can include irritability, a decrease in the ability to focus, lagging performance in school or a change in appetite, he says. If problems persist, consult a mental health counselor or pediatrician.
Avoid passing your own anxiety to children - For many families, the transition back to in-person school is likely to prompt anxiety for both parents AND kids. Parents should try to keep their anxieties in check and present a positive, supportive environment. Remember, positivity is half the battle!
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[Article and tips excerpted from the Wall Street Journal Health & Fitness column by Alina Dizik.]
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