Returning to school will look and feel differently for everyone in September. As learning resumes, we can take comfort knowing that we are in this together. Whether your students are returning to the classroom, virtual learning environment, or a combination of both, here are some tips to help prepare your children to feel confident about returning to school. Check out our LDCSB Family Tip Sheet: Preparing for Return to School. Try these tips from School Mental Health Ontario.
TIPS FOR PARENTS:
- Take care of you, so you can be your best to support your children: This has been a very difficult time for everyone. It’s especially hard on parents, who have been juggling so many things these past several months. Often, our own self-care comes last. Now is the time to make your own self-care a priority. Try to take time each day to do something just for you that helps you to feel well and happy. You know best what that is.
- Get organized: Though there are still many uncertainties, there are many things that you can organize ahead of time; finding their school backpack, lunch box, gathering school supplies, and other items. Many of these organizing tasks will feel like they did last year. School boards will forward additional information as it becomes available about what the return to school might be like and what your child will need to feel comfortable.
- Prepare for things you anticipate will be different: For example, Public Health Guidelines include hand washing and wearing masks. Practice having your child wear a mask so they know what it feels like. Wear one yourself so that they can get used to seeing adults wearing masks and learn how to listen and ask questions when they don’t get to see facial expressions in the same way.
- Talk to your child about the return to school: Children may feel nervous about returning to school. It is important to be honest and allow space for them to express their concerns, while avoiding too much focus on physical safety and/or risk. Make space to talk about what excites them about going back to school.
- Start to introduce familiar routines: Gradually start to move back to a schedule that is closer to the one you use during school time. This may mean going to bed a bit earlier, getting up earlier, and slowly reducing screen time. With younger children you can practice school-time routines, and with older children you can encourage them to identify what their routines could look like and make a plan to get back to regular routines.
Conversation starters for the return to school: Consider asking these questions:
- Who are you looking forward to connecting with this school year?
- How are you feeling about this school year?
- What’s one thing you feel excited for?
- Is there anything you feel a bit worried about?
- How can I help you to feel comfortable about school?
Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer:
How am I feeling about my child’s return to school?
Am I able to support them with calm and confidence that everyone is doing their best to make return to school healthy, happy and successful?
Connecting to our faith:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Further Resources:
Read the full LDCSB Parent Tip Sheet Preparing for Return to School
Read the full Parent Tip Sheet on Supporting Mental Health & Wellness During Return to School
from School Mental Health Ontario
Employees of LDCSB checkout WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell
We welcome your feedback, click here
#LDCSBmentalhealthtips