Family Health

Emotionally Preparing Your Children for Back-to-School Season

By Family Features

Between sheltering-in-place, online learning and time away from friends, many children will need a little extra support as they head back to school this fall. As parents we need to help children to return to school with confidence, optimism and excitement.

Address your feelings (and theirs)

Children often take cues about how to react from their parents. Think about what it takes for you to feel calm and prepared (or even excited) for the start of a new school year. That could mean talking with your child’s teacher or school about the safety precautions they’re taking so you can feel more

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at ease, taking a few minutes to establish a morning routine or stepping away from news that makes you anxious.

“Our goal is always to make our families and students feel comfortable, safe and supported within our environment,” said Nicholas Rodriguez, Corbett Prep’s Head of School.

“Children need a sense of belonging, and school provides an important connection point for them,” said Dr. Elanna Yalow, chief academic officer for KinderCare Learning Centers. “Nothing builds a sense of community like personal contact with friends and teachers. That connection is essential in supporting a child’s growth and development.” (continued on page 38)

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(continued from page 36)

This year brings unique challenges as Corbett Prep families could choose whether they wanted students to attend the first six weeks of school on campus or as remote learners. Teachers have sought ways to ensure students stay engaged and feel connected, even if the same class has students learning in different locations.

Set expectations about what to expect before the first day

Some children may feel ready to go and eager to explore, while others can be more reserved or even fearful of new places, faces and routines. When your child knows what to expect, it can go a long way in soothing any worries.

“This past spring, Tampa Prep recruited faculty representatives and formed a committee to conduct extensive research and evaluate multiple models and schedules to meet our needs in any learning scenario: in-person, hybrid or remote,” said Heather Lambie, Director of Strategic Marketing at Tampa Preparatory School. “After consulting with medical experts who toured our campus to advise on square feet needed per child to maintain a safe social distance, we landed on a hybrid, block schedule that limits our student population on campus to 50 percent and involves a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning for all.”

It’s also important to respect your child’s growing independence and empower them to help others. As you explain safety precautions like covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing, or proper hand washing, emphasize how your child’s actions can help keep family, friends and teachers safe.

“Children may already be apprehensive about returning to school, let alone trying to cope with new safety practices,” said Dr. Joelle Simpson, a pediatric emergency medicine physician and medical director for emergency preparedness at Children’s National Hospital. “Explaining these precautions ahead of time can help your children see them as part of the school day routine instead of something to fear.”

Celebrate the start of a new school year

Try to plan a special activity or some extra family time the weeks before school starts. “Remember, children didn’t have time for a clean break and celebration at the end of the last school year, and this can help your child mentally adjust to a new routine and schedule,” Yalow said. Be sure to talk with your child each school day — what was learned, funny things friends said, the things that seem little but are important to your child.

“We are one community whether students are learning remotely or on campus,” Rodriguez said. “We want to continue building trust and finding opportunities for students to come together as one community.”

Learn more at www.kindercare.com, www.corbettprep.org, www.tampaprep.org.