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How parents can help children prepare for the school year
written by CAROLINE KINNA LICENSED MASTER SOCIAL WORKER FREDERICK OUTPATIENT THERAPIST BROOK LANE HEALTH SERVICES
followed consistently, the more likely it is that kids will As summer was ending, the coronavirus pandemic
succeed. It can be helpful to write the schedule on a white-
was still in full force and affecting how we lived our
board or piece of paper and display it where they will see it
lives each day.
frequently, such as on a refrigerator or in a bedroom.
The unknown is scary, and it can often feel like there is no end in sight. There are many unanswered questions surrounding the 2020-21 school year and what it will look like for students this year. The good news is that there are
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Positive self-talk. It is common for children to say negative things about
themselves, especially when trying new things or when
coping skills and techniques that can help decrease some of
they are frustrated. Teaching children to replace negative
the stress and anxiety that comes with raising school-aged
thoughts with positive ones will help them build confi-
children during a pandemic.
dence and cope with difficulties. For example, try replacing
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“This is hard; I can’t do it” with “I will try my best, and I can
Routines and schedules. Children thrive on structure.
Setting a daily routine from the time they wake up until the time they go to bed can help kids follow directions and complete tasks more easily. The more the routine is
do it!”
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Setting goals. Everyone feels better when they are working toward
something. Help your children set goals for the school year
