By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
It’s that time of year again! As 2021 offers unique challenges, this school year might be an adjustment for kids, parents, and teachers alike. Maybe your child is returning to school in person after learning virtually last year, or maybe your kiddos are confused about why there are still restrictions in place. Whether you’re excited or nervous, planning ahead will help make this change a little easier. Here are my tips for how to transition your children from summer to school:
Be Open About Changes
Keep in mind that your kids aren’t as up-to-date on changes as you are. So, perhaps two weeks before school starts, talk to them about how this school year may be different. Hold a family meeting and talk about masks, washing hands, and if your children are older, the delta variant. Explain why it’s important to stay safe and healthy, and who we need to protect during the pandemic. Even if you disagree with the school policies, staying positive will benefit your kids and help them stay out of trouble.
Give Them Reasons to Smile
Maybe your teenager is bummed about having to leave their bed to go to school in person. Maybe your 6-year-old is still struggling to keep their mask over their nose. Perhaps your kids are frustrated that the pandemic is still ongoing. Regardless of your opinion on pandemic restrictions, we can all agree that kids have been dealing with a lot of changes during these challenging times. Give them something to smile about as they face the coming year. Pack encouraging notes in their lunchbox. If their teacher is okay with it, let younger kids bring their favorite stuffed animal to school. Brainstorm ways for your child to hang out with friends, and acknowledge that going back to in-person school can be scary for shyer kids. Bake some sweet treats to surprise the kids for when the bus comes in the afternoon. Tell your kids how proud you are of them for handling the pandemic like a champ. After school, whip out some board games or watch a favorite movie together to de-stress. During these challenging times, it’s important to look toward the future with a smile because that builds resilience in the present.
Pick Up Some Cool New Stuff For School
Back-to-school shopping has always been my favorite time of the year. Fresh new notebooks, inky pens, and the sharpest crayons await you. Help your child feel proud of themselves by assuring that they are prepared and looking nice. Take your child to the thrift store and hand them some cash, and they’ll find some cool threads on a budget! Swap clothes with family or friends to complete a whole new wardrobe without breaking the bank, while getting rid of some old clothes in return!
Check In On Mental Health
Your kids aren’t insulated from the mental health epidemic in America. Sit down with each kid one-on-one and ask them if they are feeling lethargic, overly anxious, or angry all the time. A quick way to do this with younger kids is to ask whether they feel thumbs up, thumbs down, or somewhere in the middle. Listen when your kids seem overly frustrated, and model how to handle big emotions. It’s understandable that challenging times can increase mental illness symptoms, so if your child is struggling, schedule an appointment with a child psychologist so your child can work through their issues. Make sure your child knows that if they’re struggling, it’s not their fault and you still love them. Don’t whisper about your child’s behavior changes behind closed doors, but instead get down on their level and ask them what’s going on. A little understanding can go a long way.
Give Kids Time to Adjust
Try not to schedule anything like doctor’s appointments or piano lessons for the first two weeks of school. Changing routines is hard, so respect your kids’ need to wind down at the end of the day. Don’t expect them to be in the best mood, but be patient and assure them that it will get better. Remind them we can all get through this together.
The start of the 2021 school year is a challenge for parents, students, and teachers. However, with some optimism and flexibility, we can make the most of this fall, learn something new, and celebrate the changing of seasons.
