Message to Families

Back to School Tips During Covid-19

ROUTINES:

• Gradually get back into school year structure and routines. Bring up the topic that summer is ending and the school year is restarting.

• Talk about routines. you may say, " during the school closure you've had a lot more screen time than usual, but now that school is starting back up again, we're going to get back into our old routine."

• Set a bedtime (and/or wake up time) and move it closer to what it should be for the school year.

• Ask about routines to continue from the time off. for example regular family walks, game night, etc.

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

• Continue to encourage your child to stay connected with their friends and peers. This may be through social distanced activities,write a letter, by phone, or even video chat.

NORMALIZE MASK WEARING(GRADES 4-12):

• You may want to allow your child to choose there mask, to ensure that it fits properly, is comforatble and is something they may want to wear (fun fabric).

• Discuss any fears they may have about wearing a mask and try to put their minds at ease.

• Practice wearing a mask, while they are doing things they enjoy like playing a video game or watching T.V. etc.

• Practice calming strategies like mindfulness, distraction techniques, etc.

HELP YOUR CHILD COPE WITH THE NEW WAY WE DO SCHOOL:

• Stay connected to your child.Spend quality time with them and give them space to share any concerns, questions, or feelings they may have about school. Listen, Validate, and empathize with their feelings. This is all very new to all of us, and we mus be patient as we get used to our new way of doing things.

• Model healthy coping. Children learn by example, so it important that you model a positive attitude and show them how to follow health guidelines and procedures, such as wearing a mask in public spaces and social distancing.

• focus on the positive aspects of our new reality, and not the negatives. children do best when they can attach a positive meaning to a situation. You might say: "The pandemic has not been easy, but it has given us a lot of time to have fun together as a family."

EASE ANY WORRIES YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE:

Does your child seem to have excessive fears and anxiety about COVID-19? Or COVID-19 restrictions? These worries may make your child feel more isolated or uneasy about their return to school.

• Ask your child about their fears, and try to reassure them or problem solve with them. Ask: "What worries you the most?"

• Validate and accept your child's feelings about the situation. You might say: " I can see why you might be feeling (insert your child's feeling here) about this. Let's talk about ways we can problem solve this together."

• Try to give your child a sense of control.

• Try giving your child a small sentimental object that reminds them of you/home, that they can bring with them as a source of comfort.

THE FIRST WEEK BACK TO SCHOOL:

• Review the information that has been sent out by your school and familiarize yourself with the new routines and procedures. share this information with your child so that they know what to expect.

• If possible a goodbye routine and talk it through with your child prior to dropping them off. When it is time to say "Goodbye!" to your child, give them a final hug, kiss and say goodbye, and tell them I will see you after school/excel.

• If they are uneasy or feeling sad, validate the sadness: "I see that you are feeling sad and it's okay to cry. I'm going to miss you too." Offer comfort and then carry out your goodbye routine.

• Have you dropped off your child? Try to take some time for yourself, this is a difficult time and dropping off your child after being with them for 6 months is not easy. Have a tea, go for a walk, breathe a sigh of relief and savor this time. Your child's teacher is doing everything they can to keep them safe and welcome them to a positive learning environment.

• At the end of the day, check in with your child. If your child isn't ready to talk about their day, then ask them later when they are ready.