Going back to school can be tough, even in ordinary circumstances – but this has not been an ordinary year! No one could have prepared for the turn of events that closed out the 2019-20 school year. On-line learning from home was quite the curveball, as well as, a longer than normal school break. Now that it’s August and the first day of school is looming, it’s not surprising if you’re feeling a sense of anxiety about sending the kids back to school.
dsm4kids rounded up some tips to help families prepare for the switch back to a “normal” school routine. Try some…or all…of these ideas and make the summer-to-school transition a success for your students!
Not sure when school starts? Visit Central Iowa School Starting Dates & Plans for the 2020-21 School Year. And, be sure to check out our Back to School Fun Guide for additional tips and resources for a successful start to the new school year.
Here’s a few back to school tips to help your family prepare for the 2020-21 school year:
Talk to Your Child During this Transition Period
It’s important to talk to your child about what to expect when they go back to school and what they’re experiencing. Frequent and open communication is the best way to gauge how they’re handling change. Remember to empathize with their feelings and be mindful that worrying or feeling overwhelmed are completely normal experiences. Transitions are always stressful, throw in a pandemic and it’s difficult for people of all ages!
Be Proactive (Not Reactive)
Plans are going to change; alternatives may be unfavorable but necessary and compromise is going to be the new norm. Kids react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When we as parents and caregivers deal with issues calmly and confidently, we can provide the best support for our children.
Get Comfortable with Electronic Forms of Communication and E-Learning
If you struggle with technology or need assistance, do not hesitate to ask for help! Now is a good time to do everything possible to make sure your child’s instruction won’t be interrupted by technical difficulties. Stay in touch with your child’s teacher and school – get on the email list if you aren’t already and make sure the school has your contact information. You may need to be a little more proactive this school year if you haven’t been in the past.
Make Sure Kids Are Up-To-Date on Medical Care
In the new reality of dealing with COVID-19, you may be concerned about keeping standing well-visits for your kids. But, it’s important to remember that wellness visits and immunizations are vital to a child’s health. Be sure to keep track of you and your family’s check-ups and vaccinations and make sure they stay current.
Let Your Parental Instincts Guide You
There are tons of terrifying “firsts” you’ve been preparing for since you became a parent. But no parent was prepared for the anxiety and stress of sending his or her child to school during a pandemic. In a time when almost any activity outside your home comes with a risk, don’t be afraid to rely on your parental instinct as your guide. No matter what you choose, your parental instinct will help you feel confident that you’ve made the right decision for your child and your family.
Additional tips to help prepare your child for school:
- Make sure your kids understand why it is important to be careful – even if they aren’t old enough to understand the details of COVID-19, you should be able to communicate concepts about avoiding sickness and taking steps to protect the health of other people.
- Teach your children proper hygiene and encourage them to wash their hands often – this is also a good time for your child to get used to wearing a mask.
- Set a good example for your kids when it comes to things like handwashing, wearing a mask, and social distancing – if you don’t do it, they may not think it’s important for them to.
- Create a plan in case someone in the family gets sick – communicate the plan to your child, if they are old enough to understand it without causing undue anxiety.
These are much different school tips than we’ve provided in the past. How will you be preparing your kids to go back to school this fall?
