THE BIG RETURN: TIPS FOR HELPING STUDENTS PREPARE FOR RETURNING BACK TO SCHOOL POST PANDEMIC

Across the nation, many school districts and households are preparing for returning to in-person and virtual learning. There are so many thoughts and feelings that youth are experiencing as the first day of school is approaching. While it is certainly important to prepare for the school year by purchasing necessary supplies for academic success, we must also prepare our youth emotionally to navigate, self-regulate, and cope with any changes and challenges that may come with transitioning into the school year. Here are a few suggestions that can be tailored for your child’s developmental stage to prepare:

1. Talk about ways in which school may be different and how it may be similar to what they remembered prior to the pandemic. This will help to create reasonable expectations.

2. Explore what your child is hopeful for the new school year, nervous about this school year, and questions and concerns that they have.

3. Watch for signs of anxiety and depression, which may manifest as sleep concerns, changes in mood and behavior, body aches and pains, clinginess, avoidance, or withdrawal from activities that previously brought joy.

4. Allow them to participate in pre-school opening activities and events when appropriate and possible.

5. Check-in with your school staff to find out what resources are in place to support students and family’s mental health and wellbeing during the transition and beyond.