
As families prepare to get ready to return to school following lockdowns and remote learning, there are a few valuable preparations that families can make to ease a child back into school.
Let’s not underestimate that settling back into a school environment can bring some unsettling feelings for a child who has had the comfort and security of home for so long.
As a former school principal and counsellor, here's my advice for making the transition more settling for the whole family.
Watch: Be a good mum. Post continues after video.
1. Family chats about coming out of the lockdown.
Gather as a family and talk about what it will be like going back to school after such a long time. Let your child talk about their fears and anxious thoughts, which will generally be all about re-establishing friends, feeling safe, and getting back their feeling of confidence in learning. Don’t be surprised or challenged by what they have to say, as it is their time to talk freely about their worries.
2. Reassure your child that school is a safe place.
Reassure them that they will be in safe hands and that their health will be a big consideration with the school. Some children may be anxious about leaving the safety of home given the pandemic discussions that are around. It may have been a lockdown, but for a child, the home created a safe haven. Give your child accurate information about the pandemic, but make it age appropriate. This is important, as unsettling gossip at school can destabilise a child.