The Coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown which led to the longterm break that many children and young people had from school, has been an unprecedented situation.
Your child may understandably be feeling worried about returning to school. It’s important to encourage them to talk about this. Make yourself as available as possible for them to approach you about their concerns. Go for a walk together or do an activity such as drawing or baking. This can create less pressure than sitting down face to face to talk.
Help prepare them for school by talking about the daily routine of school. What they can expect it to look like. Most schools will have provided parents with a guide to the changes that have had to be implemented. Be factual and answer any questions they have calmly and clearly. They will pick up on your emotions so it is important to remain calm.
Before school begins help your child to get back into their normal sleep routine. This will help to prepare them and create a routine which will be familiar to them.
Think about coping strategies when dealing with stress or worries. Get in touch with some of their friends before school begins, have an online chat or meet up for a socially distanced picnic in a park.
Doing regular exercise and using breathing techniques (look on the NHS website), are also excellent ways to manage their feelings of worry or stress. If you work it might be useful to talk about how you feel. Share your worries and how you are managing those feelings. The website www.mindedforfamilies.org.uk is a free and useful resource for parents.
Finally, talk about the positive things about returning to school. What they are looking forward to?