The start of a new school year can cause anxiety for both adults and children. With the uncertainty of school plans for the fall due to COVID-19, anxieties can be higher than usual as we prepare to start school, whether that be in-person or virtually from home. Read our blog about how you can ease anxieties before the start of this school year!

Communicate 

Talk to your children about their feelings toward starting at a new school or entering a new school year. It’s important to discuss what the school year may look like amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Provide your children with age-appropriate facts about the COVID-19 virus to calm their anxieties. Gauge their feelings and provide them with reassurance and comfort for starting school. If you feel anxious about the new school year and are uncertain about the procedures and expectations, contact your school’s leadership for insight. It’s important for children to know they can come to you with any questions!

Prepare for the Big Day

A great way to settle anxieties about the first day of school is to organize and prepare for the big day. Research your child’s school supply list and take them shopping for their school needs. Encourage them to be excited about their supplies and give them the autonomy to select their clothing, too.. If your children will attend school virtually, allow them to help set up their workspace. Preparing for the big day can ease any worries a child may be having. 

Ask Questions

Everyone has questions about the upcoming school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Ease your anxieties by asking your child’s school leadership questions about how they plan to navigate the 2020-2021 school year. There’s no such thing as an illegitimate question. You should have enough information to feel confident in deciding  your child’s upcoming academic year.. 

COVID-19 Preparation

If you plan to send your children to school in-person this fall, create a plan for the health and safety of your family. Be sure to have an adequate amount of PPE and hand sanitizer for your children. Ask your school about their COVID-19 plan for the school year and if they plan to supply PPE for students and teachers. Make sure you are equipped with the technology you need for your child to participate in virtual learning whether that’s provided by the school or on your own. Having a plan for both in-person and virtual learning will help you be able to navigate any changes that may occur throughout the school year. 

Create a Schedule

Sit down with your family and discuss a schedule to prepare your children for the start of the new school year. Begin implementing an evening and morning routine a few weeks before the first day of school. Talk to your children about the tasks that need to be completed to prepare for the school day. If your children will be attending virtual school, draft a daily schedule that includes structured learning time coupled with time for exercise and resting.