Four Tools to for Working Parents Like Me to Cope/Manage with Back-to-School Anxiety
Erin Owen, MBA, MCC
? Leadership Career Alchemist and Master Coach | I help leaders recognize their unique gifts and maximize their potential so they can make magic in the world
Transitioning back to school is often a stressful time for both children and parents but never more so than this unprecedented year. After more than a year of virtual learning, the majority of schools are resuming in-person learning evoking a range of emotions for families. Parents and their kids are filled with anxiety, excitement and trepidation. For many, the uncertainty of on-going pandemic conditions and the impact on learning is causing additional stress.
As a parent myself, I know all too well how difficult it is to navigate ever changing school protocols, potential mask mandates, physical distancing in classrooms and the pros and cons of sending our children back to school. In this month's article I want to share with you some of the coping mechanisms my family is implementing to manage back-to-school anxiety and stay fluid and resilient amidst COVID-19. These tools are helping my family embrace this new world of learning, and I hope that they will do the same for you and your loved ones.?
Know Your School’s Guidelines & Refer to Resources
Knowledge is power! Contact your local school to determine what your children can expect in the classroom, lunchroom, recess and extracurriculars such as sports. By educating yourself, you can help alleviate any anxieties and worries your children may be feeling. Stay in touch with the school on a regular basis as protocols and restrictions are constantly evolving. For further guidance you can refer to the CDC guidelines for a safe return back to school this year. Awareness is key to a safe and successful return to school this year.
Staying abreast of the latest information from both your school and the CDC will help you make educated decisions for your family.
Have an Open Dialogue with Your Children
As schools reopen, kids may have a lot of questions about returning to school. Some children missed the socialization aspect and cannot wait to get back, while others feel nervous to leave the house, and are finding it difficult to adjust to being back. Whatever the case may be in your household, it is imperative to keep the lines of communication open between you and your children. An ongoing two-way conversation will assuage any fears your child may have. Listen carefully to what they have to say, and try not to burden them with your anxieties and fears. In my house we talked with our kids about mask protocols, hand washing, monitoring symptoms so we can communicate early around any need to stay home, and the importance of following each school's guidelines. For one of my clients who has a very anxious child, she is focusing on both the practicalities and the emotional support, taking it one step at time: ?she has sett up support for her daughter by communicating directly with her teacher and the school's nurse, and she has explicitly said to her daughter that it is okay to feel nervous, scared, and wary – that is all part of being human. Remember that any disruption to a child's routine can often cause feelings of anxiety, stress and worry, so be sure to check in with them often. It's critical that you pay attention to your child's behavior and emotions.
Whole-family Mental Health
Creating a hopeful family unit, and wellness in the household is imperative during this transitional time. Being mindful of each other, and fostering a positive family environment will set you up for success as you navigate all of these twists and turns. Think of easy ways that you can come together as a family. Listed below are some ideas you may want to implement in your household:
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Keeping the calm at home is crucial during these uncertain times. Your home is a safe space for the family to come together. Your children pick up on your energy so try to remain hopeful and positive so that they will feel the same.
Suggested resource: I really appreciate that the Chopra Meditation and Well-being app recently released a meditation series called "Reset the School Day" that features short 4-to-7 minute guided audio sessions for both teachers and students on the topics of intention, kindness, gratitude, courage and calm – helpful even for those of us adults who are not in school!
Structure the Day – Keep a Routine
During these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to create a sense of structure to each day that offers your children predictability and reassurance. Routines are beneficial and help alleviate anxiety. Ever changing school protocols and restrictions can create chaos and fear for your child. Having a sense of order at home will help children process the changes at school. Establish daily schedules such as:
Predictability and structure will provide your kiddos with comfort and stability during very unstable times.
I know as parents we just want the best for our children. We want them to be happy, safe and worry-free. The transition back to school is a huge milestone this year, however many children are struggling to adjust. Talking openly and calmly about the situation and creating some simple routines in my own household and arming ourselves with knowledge has made all the difference. I hope these tools above will help your family, and your child's transition back to school be a positive one. I am thinking of each and every one of you this September as you embark on this back-to-school journey with your family.?
Erin Owen, MBA, PCC, JCTC
Executive and Leadership Coach
Chief Coaching Officer, Abroad.io
LinkedIn:?https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/erinowen/
Realtor
3 年Great tools! Thanks for sharing.