Preparing your children to go back to school

With Grade 7 and 12 learners having recently returned to school, millions of parents around the country are starting to get their kids ready to go back to class. However you’re feeling about the change – relaxed, relieved, troubled or terrified – these simple strategies should help you pass the transition with flying colours.

Get back into the school routine
As with any other back-to-school moment, it’s a good idea to get into the swing of things at least one week before school starts up again. That means establishing a regular bedtime routine, waking your kids up earlier to help them acclimatise to earlier mornings – this is especially important if they are tweens or teens who’ve got used to waking up late. And if your kids have been mostly at home over the past three months, get them used to wearing a mask.

Check-in with your children
In the days leading up to their return to school, set some time aside to sit down with your kids and ask them how they’re feeling. Some good questions to ask include:

• What about being back at school are you looking forward to?
• Who are you looking forward to seeing most?
• Is there anything you’re worried about? (If there are one or more things causing anxiety, talk your children through their concerns and where possible, help them find solutions to these worries.)
• Is there anything I can do to help you?

Chat about the change
It’s always important to keep an open line of communication with your children – and never more so than during periods of unprecedented change. Once you’re aware of the COVID-19 procedures in place at school, explain them to your children in a reassuring and age-appropriate way.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, take your cues from UNICEF: “Be honest – for example you could go through some of the changes they may expect at school, such as needing to wear forms of protective clothing like masks. Children may also find it difficult being physically distanced from friends and teachers while at school – you could encourage them to think about other ways to bond and stay connected. Reassure children about safety measures in place to keep students and teachers healthy and remind children that they can also help prevent germs spreading by washing their hands with soap and coughing or sneezing into their elbow. Remind children about the positives – that they will be able to see their friends and teachers (if they are physically returning to the classroom) and continue learning new things.”

Keep calm – for your kids Children often respond to situations based off the way their parents feel about them. Try to be encouraging about the change, even if you’re feeling anxious about it, and process your emotions with your spouse or partner when your kids are out of the room.

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