Supporting children’s return to school during COVID-19

The start of the school year can be a time of excitement, it is also natural for children, parents/caregivers and families to feel a heightened sense of anxiety especially during these uncertain times.

Parents/caregivers can play an important role in helping children manage the feelings that come during times of uncertainty and reduce future risk of mental health concerns.

How you feel matters. Children use the people around them to judge how safe situations are – when you feel safe and calm, so do your children. Being a calm presence in uncertain times is hard, but understanding your emotions and how they might be seen by your child is a great first step. If you are calm, you are showing your child you are there for them; they can rely on you to listen and to help them understand their emotions, thoughts and behaviour. If you are struggling, please seek information and support.

Let’s talk. Talking to children in a calm, considered, honest and matter of fact way, and providing them with information that they can understand, is helpful. Reassure your child it’s okay (in fact, it’s normal) to feel worried or ‘different’ during these times. Naming your child’s experience can help them to understand and process their emotions – even if their language skills are still developing. Take time to notice and describe the thoughts, feelings and sensations you think they may be experiencing, based on your observations.

‘It’s okay to feel nervous about the first day of school.’

‘I can see that you are disappointed. I know that you were really looking forward to seeing your friends.’

 ‘It sounds like you have mixed feelings about going back to school. That’s very normal – there will be many kids who feel both worried and excited, just like you.’

Remind children of times when they have managed difficult experiences/transitions in

the past – times when they have used their strengths, skills and knowledge to help them.

‘Remember last year, when we were doing school from home? It took us quite a while to settle into that because it was new and we weren’t expecting it, but we figured it out after a little while and it worked out okay, didn’t it?’

‘Remember when you started preschool? At first, you weren’t sure about leaving Mummy, but then the teacher helped you and you made some great friends on your own. You’re really great at making friends.’

Involve children in problem-solving. Having conversations with children and inviting them

to come up with ideas to solve problems is empowering. For example, if children are feeling nervous about their first day of school, ask what they think will help them to feel OK.

‘Who do you think you could ask if you are not sure about where something is at school?’

‘If you aren’t feeling okay at school – let’s think of three people you could go to for help.’

Celebrate transitions. Taking time to celebrate significant transitions and successes, big or small can help families focus on positives amid the enormous challenges of an ongoing pandemic. Having an element of fun can support everyone’s wellbeing.

Reach out to teachers. If you are worried about your child during uncertain times, reach out to their teachers to let them know about your concerns, and organise a time to talk and make a support plan together.

Foster new and old relationships. Friendships with peers can go a long way to help children

during transitions and times of uncertainty. Supportive relationships with other parents can

also support children’s wellbeing.

Be prepared for vaccination conversations. The topic of vaccinations is likely to come up in children’s conversations at school. The conversations about vaccination are an opportunity to provide information which can reassure children, and to answer any questions or concerns they have before they’re raised with peers. It’s also an opportunity to provide children with the facts around COVID-19 vaccines and health risks, to help protect them against any misinformation or disinformation they may come across.

Plan for times that children cannot attend school unexpectedly and at short notice.

This can help both parents and children to feel prepared and therefore calm and in control, which can in turn impact positively on children when unexpected events disrupt their routines. Being prepared can also include having realistic expectations of yourself at times where you’re confined to your home spaces with children.

If you are concerned about how your child is going you are welcome to make contact in the first instance with your child’s teacher or school. They can provide some support and guidance and will let you know if School Counselling is recommended for your child. Alternately you can contact the Counsellor via email at ryoko.koyasu@catholiccare.cg.org.au and I will get in touch.