The coronavirus pandemic has rocked many industries like health services which has seen a rise in users for telehealth apps like Talkspace. But education is another sector that has been impacted severely. Many parents had hoped that schools would resume this fall after they were shut down in March due to the epidemic. While some schools have resumed in-person learning, most have opted for a hybrid schedule that allows kids to attend school on alternating days. Other schools have fully adopted the remote option where students live stream classes from home.
All schools open for in-person learning look different from how they did before the pandemic. Desks are spaced out, teachers and students are wearing masks all day, and there are limited interactions between students and teachers. All these drastic changes may be challenging for kids, and they may have difficulty processing them.
There is a lot of information regarding the new schedules, safety procedures, and modes of learning that kids need to know before going back to school. Here is how you can help your kid feel safe and process their emotions during this period:
Talkspace Says Allow Your Child to Express Their Feelings
Children like playing and interacting with other kids; hence, the idea of distance learning might not be exciting. If you do not speak to your child often, they might hate school or decide not to attend the remote classes. While not warming up to distance learning is understandable, it is essential to explain the current situation to them so that they can understand why they need to adjust.
Some kids might never love the idea of remote learning; however, they will accept it and continue with classes as required.
Allow Them to Ask Questions
Your kids have never been in such a situation before. They will want to know how virtual learning will work and whether they will interact with their friends. If your child will attend in-person learning, they will also have many questions because their school will look different. They may want to know why it’s essential to wear a mask all day, and whether they can play with their friends. Be prepared for more serious questions about the virus, such as what they should do if one of their friends contracts the coronavirus.
Do not try to silence them when they ask many questions. It would help if you answered the questions when you are not in a hurry so that you can give your kid undivided attention and allow them to air their concerns about school.
Be Honest When Answering the Questions
You probably want to give your child as much information as possible; however, this doesn’t mean that you have to answer all questions regarding school re-opening if you do not know the answer.
If your child is older, you can explain to them that there is a lot of uncertainty, and adults are also trying to figure out how to continue with their lives and keep everyone safe. You can tell the younger kids that you don’t have the answers to everything that is happening and that it’s okay not to know everything. Accepting uncertainty is a crucial lesson that will help kids become resilient and strong as they grow up.
Give Your Kid Enough Time for Transitioning
Kids usually need a couple of days to transition back to school after a vacation during normal circumstances. Transitioning often involves irritability, crankiness, and moodiness because of the need to readjust schedules.
This school year’s transition might be more intense, and kids might need more time to adjust. Transitioning might be challenging this fall; however, if you show love and patience, your kid will eventually adapt.
Remember that no one was prepared for the pandemic. You should never feel that you are in this alone, or you should have answers to everything.
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