When you consider your child’s return to in-person education, ask yourself what is in their best interests. This standard that divorce lawyers use for child custody cases is also relevant here. The goal is to get them relaxed, ready, and inspired to return to campus. This article is one of a two-part series. The second article will focus on academic skills.
Build on Experience
If your child was able to engage in in-person learning in the spring or over the summer, ask them what elements were helpful. Maybe they calmed down by bringing a stress ball or stuffed animals to school for those tough moments. Perhaps it helped them to have a journal to write down their thoughts about the pandemic. It may be a good idea for you to give them a note in their lunch every day. Think about what is possible to help your child improve their mental health without a significant addition to your workload or budget.
Review Safety Protocols
See if your child’s teacher or school has a new digital presentation ready to familiarize children with back to school routines. If yes, go over this with your child several times before school starts. If not, see if you can volunteer to help make such a presentation. If the teacher or school just has suggestions at this point, make flashcards to test your child.
Act out certain scenarios. For example, role play with your child to see what they will do when someone accidentally gets too close or coughs on them. Have your child learn to be polite and say things such as, “I would like some more space” and “Can you please distance yourself socially?” If your child is young, practice routines with them. One enjoyable one is waiting in line for extended handwashing while socially distancing from you.
Check Their Personal Protective Equipment
Go over with your child what PPE they need to be safe at school. Items include a mask, hand sanitizer, and perhaps gloves for certain tasks. Practice using these items, such as taking gloves on and off without tearing them. Make sure they have multiple masks to take with them to school.
Show them where they should put the masks in their backpack. Review rules such as, “Don’t share a mask with a friend. You can give a friend a disposable mask, but then they have to keep it.” Make sure they know you are giving them extra masks in a different place, such as the side pocket of a backpack.
Outreach to Counselors and Teachers
Learn the identity of your child’s school counselor and psychologist. The school counselor is usually there to see a child with everyday concerns. A psychologist often has the job of seeing students with serious mental health concerns and testing for issues like autism spectrum disorder. Ask them what they did over the summer to learn about serving children’s needs during the pandemic. Learn how often they will be available for your child. Also sign any necessary permission slips for their services.
It is helpful to tell your child’s counselor and teacher about concerns your child is experiencing. For example, your child may have problems telling a teacher when they have too much work on their plate. Ask if it’s possible for your child to reach out to a counselor or another person about matters like this if necessary.
Also ask what you may be able to do to volunteer with “class talk” workshops by a counselor. You may be able to do a lot, such as collect supplies for arts and crafts or make a poster with other parents to show your support for students. Let your child’s educational and mental health team know you are there for them. Your child has a greater chance of success when others can count on you to be responsible, thoughtful, and responsive.
