Navigating Back-to-School Stressors During COVID
As a society, we may soon be better protected from COVID as vaccines become more widely available to the population. Some schools are beginning to re-open for in-person instruction, many with new protocols in place to attempt to contain the spread. The transition back to in-person learning may be welcomed for many, but it can also come with its own unique stressors. As we navigate this transition it is important to remember that this is new territory for everyone and that it’s normal for both parents and children to be stressed out.
This is a transition period and in many ways, it is still a very uncertain time. Schools may be implementing new rules and procedures such as having students use hybrid methods of learning by alternating in-person and online schooling on different days. They may continue to have limited extracurricular activities, and will most likely continue to mandate wearing face masks indoors for some time. Be prepared for schools to make multiple changes in procedure, especially during the first few weeks as they learn what does and does not work. Some schools may continue to host online options for families who are at-risk or otherwise want to remain distanced. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the school to discuss what options are available for you and your child.
Many children may be looking forward to seeing their peers in-person while others may have some concerns. Hear out potential worries as they arise and validate your child’s perspectives on this situation. School can be a difficult time for many and transitioning from relative isolation and distancing to classrooms with ten or twenty peers can be overwhelming. Remember to listen for and appreciate the positives as well. Navigating this new normal, getting a good grade, or making new friends can all be reasons to celebrate your child’s successes.
As you show up for your child - listening to their feelings, validating their concerns, and celebrating the positives - it can be easy to repeatedly ask your child how they are feeling about school or try to get them to process each and every thought they have. Avoid too many questions and opt for quality time instead. Give your child the time and space to open up to you without the pressure of having to talk about their feelings every moment. You’d be surprised what you can find out on a walk, drive, or making dinner together.
Maintain a routine at home, even when the school routine seems off. As your child is transitioning back to a hybrid or in-person schedule at school, there may be times when their grade is suddenly quarantined or the schools need to decrease the amount of time students spend in the building. These sudden changes can quickly throw students off their routines, especially those who struggle with flexibility. Try to keep up your home routine, whatever that is for your family - walks in the evening, breakfast together, a check-in at night - so that your child continues to know what to expect from your environment.
You are not crazy for being worried or for wanting things to go back to normal and also being stressed about the return of students to school buildings. We all want things to return to some sense of normalcy and it appears that this may be safely achievable soon. In the meantime, we should continue to follow safety guidelines set both by community health organizations and our schools in order to make the transition back to school as safe and smooth as possible.