Transitioning Back to School
Whilst we know that many children will be really excited to see their friends, get out of their houses and come back to school, we also know that for some children the thought of returning may be causing some anxiety. We also understand that our children who have been attending school due to their parents’ work commitments will experience a significant change as the numbers swell in their rooms, they return to their original classroom and routines etc. Change is challenging for many of us at the best of times and these haven’t been the best of times! We must remember that this is not like going back to school after the relaxing, happy summer holidays.
Children may be concerned about:
Physical distancing – how do I do it if my friend wants to give me a hug? How will we all fit in our classroom?
Social issues – how will I fit back in with my group? What if they have made new friends?
Some children won’t be able to express their worries about coming back to school or the changes to the routines etc for those at school using their words. They might ask questions like ‘what if I go to school and I get sick?’ They might show their worries through having trouble sleeping, getting upset or angry over things that wouldn’t really bother them usually or saying that they have headaches or tummy aches.
How do we help?
- Encourage your children to express how they feel about going back to school.
- Validate their concerns “it is a big thing going back to school and it’s ok you feel a bit worried about it.”
- Let them know that even though it is hard that you know that they will get through it.
- DON’T say that there is nothing to worry about it.
- When they say they don’t want to go to school, please support them to come as putting off coming often makes the anxiety worse.
Please remember that if our children can see their adults calm, see that their adult believes in them that they will ultimately respond to this. Our children are capable and resilient and with support both from home and school, they will settle back in to school and adapt to the new routines.
Lynn Wyllie-Watson