Encouraging a Positive Back-To-School Transition

Dear York Prep Community,
 
The pandemic has caused major disruptions to daily life, and children are feeling these changes deeply. While the return to school will be not only welcome and exciting for many students, others may be feeling anxious or frightened. Levels of anxiety and stress may be high, and caregivers play an influential role in helping their children cope. Encouraging a positive back-to-school transition can help reduce a child’s anxiety and worries. Here are tips to help navigate some of the complicated emotions students may be facing about going back to school.
 
Keep lines of communication open. Students may feel nervous or reluctant to return to school especially if they have been learning at home for months. Be honest in conversations with them. For example, talking through some of the changes they can expect at school.

Create a pros & cons list. What is working for you with remote or in person learning? What is not? What are circumstances that are specific to you and your family? Write these down.
 
Reinforce the positives. Students may feel excited about seeing friends and teachers (if they are physically returning to the classroom), enjoy time away from home and switching up the routine.

Empower them to make healthy decisions. Taking precautions (such as face masks, frequent hand washing, physical distancing, etc.) at school will help to keep them and their families safe, and instill a sense of control during these uncertain times.

Support a flexible mindset.
Letting your kids know ahead of time that schools may need to close again will help them to be prepared for the period of adjustment ahead.

Respect others’ decisions but know what is right for you. We all handle the news differently. You may know someone stocking up on masks and paper goods; others may be continuing to see many of their friends. Let them go about their business, and think about what you need to do for you, your family and your own physical and emotional well-being.

Be patient with yourself.  The pandemic has been a marathon of adjustments and now that we’ve all gotten comfortable with staying home and living our lives online, it can be challenging to return to school IRL. Show yourself some grace as we transition away from being at home and re-adjust to being in the physical presence of teachers & peers.
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