The Impact of the Pandemic

BY KATIE MOELLER

Youth Services Manager at Influence the Choice

For most parents, having students back in school was the answer to our deepest desires for our children, a step towards a sense of normalcy. Students, parents, and teachers are feeling both hope and concern about this reentry into school, sports, work, and everyday life, as we know it.

The words “new normal” have been heard so many times over the past 20 months. But what does that phrase truly mean in the eyes of our students? Here are some thoughts from a sampling of middle and high school students:

- Classrooms are much quieter than before the pandemic because people are less willing to speak out, making discussions harder. It creates a less cooperative environment.

- Students are having difficulty sitting and concentrating after a year of having on-screen education. Students are getting out of their seats when the teacher is talking; it is very distracting and disrespectful.

- Total disregard for school property.

- Lunch used to be a time of connecting with friends. Now it is isolating.

- Students are having a more challenging time talking with the teachers and asking for help because of this quiet atmosphere.

- The amount of social interactions and the process of getting ready every day sets me up for more productivity and daily routine.

- Yet, at the same time, there’s social drainage. I am getting extremely tired, almost stressed, from social relationships. Especially because a lot has changed between friendships over quarantine.

- It is very tiring to go to school every day and do extracurricular activities after school after staying at home all the time.

- Sports season is so much fun, and being active is great, but there have been concerns with COVID spreading.

We recommend that parents find time to ask their students about their feelings. Really listen! Try your best not to interrupt or provide solutions. Ask your student how they would like your help. This time allows them to process what they are experiencing and helps them cope.

Everyone’s world has been turned upside down with COVID. Parents have also had to adjust their work life over the past 20 months. First, they had to become accustomed to having students at home and now have to become accustomed to having them back in school. Many parents have found themselves working at odd hours because they have been working from home. Now it is harder to keep a regular schedule with their children going off to school. Just getting a child out the door for an activity or making dinner while juggling work calls can be stressful. Try to set realistic boundaries with your work so you can have more to give your family.

Simple coping strategies for your family:

- Have a daily schedule

- Set realistic expectations of yourself and your children

- Give yourself and others grace

- Speak kindly to yourself

- Humor

– a smile goes a long way!

- Make time for self-care

- Try and get enough rest

- Nutrition

– healthy food and snacks

- Have family dinners!

These past 20 months have been unprecedented. We are all coping with it in different ways. Your students may be displaying some different behaviors. We encourage you to interact with them with an open mind and heart.

And remember, you are not alone! Reach out to trusted friends who will listen and support you. Join a parent support group if you need extra help. Do not be afraid or ashamed to ask for professional help (counselors, doctors, or spiritual guides) if you are feeling the need. There are people who can help you if you ask.