The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way most families spent their summer. In fact, those changes began in the spring when most schools across the country made the switch to alternate forms of learning and closed their facilities for in-person teaching.
Now that summer is coming to an end and school is about to start, districts are making their own choices on what to do. For some, that means offering remote learning at the beginning of the school year. Other schools are opting for a hybrid choice, while some are going fully back to in-person learning.
No matter what your school district is doing, it’s important to make good choices for your family and children. Safety should always be your top priority.
With that in mind, let’s talk about how you can make the best choices for your kids as they’re returning to school in the midst of this pandemic.
Weigh the Pros and Cons
Some parents don’t agree with the schools that are re-opening for in-person learning. So they are opting to homeschool their children or trying something different. Other parents think it’s important to get their kids back to school and return to some sense of normalcy.
Wherever your opinions may go, be sure to weigh them out before you make your final decision. If one way is pulling at you more than another, consider why. Determine if that is really what’s best for your child.
You will feel so much better about your final decision when you know you have considered every factor and possibility as thoroughly as you could.
Understand the Safety Measures Being Taken
Most schools that are returning to in-person learning or offering a hybrid program have released (or plan to release) their strategy for keeping students safe. That includes everything from wearing masks to keeping kids socially-distanced.
One of the best things you can do is to dive into your district’s strategy and determine whether you agree with it. Take note of anything that may raise concerns. And don’t hesitate to follow up with questions about things you don’t understand.
The more educated you are about what your child’s school plans on doing to keep them safe, the easier your decisions will be.
Prepare Your Child
No matter what type of learning environment your child is about to enter into, they will likely see more success if they are as prepared as possible ahead of time. If they’re going back to school in-person, start having them practice wearing a mask at home for a few hours at a time. Make sure they know to put it on whenever they are in public. It’s also a good idea to practice good hygiene habits at home, such as handwashing or using sanitizer.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to talk to your child about the pandemic. The goal isn’t to spark fear, but they should have an idea of what’s going on. When they hear it from you, they are less likely to be confused or scared about the uncertainties of the virus. Talk to them about how they can stay safe at school, and the changes they might have to face.
The same goes for remote learning environments. Obviously, it will be different from what your child is used to. So talk to them about what their daily schedule will look like, and make sure they know how to use all of the programs that will be utilized through eLearning.
—
This pandemic has created a large adjustment period for everyone. And it’s important to continue to stay vigilant with your kids, no matter what their school year might look like.
If you would like more information on how to talk with your children about the pandemic and what they can do to stay safe, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the effects of COVID-19 yourself, feel free to contact a Crossroad’s therapist for support. Contact us by calling 623-680-3486, texting 623-688-5115, or emailing info@crossroadsfcc.com and ask to speak with one of our counselor’s about counseling for your child, teen, or family.
We offer a 20 minute complementary phone call. You can ask all the questions you have and see if one of our therapists is the right fit for you.
We have offices throughout the Valley of the Sun including Phoenix, Anthem, Biltmore, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale.
