How To Help Kids Facing The Post COVID Stress Of Joining Physical School

t's no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a great deal of stress and anxiety for parents around the world. With schools closed and many child care options unavailable, parents have had to step up and fill the role of teacher, caregiver, and often, work-from-home employee all at the same time.

Now, as schools begin to reopen, some parents are feeling a new type of stress. Will my child be safe? How will I balance work and school? What if my child gets sick?

While there is no easy answer to these questions, one thing is certain – the reopening of schools will be a challenging time for many parents. Here are some tips to help you manage the stress and anxiety of the upcoming school year:

Talk to your child about their concerns: It's important to talk to your child about their fears and concerns around returning to school. This will help them feel heard and understood, and it will also give you a better idea of how to support them.

Some kids will hate the new routine, it's good to hear them out and understand what are their concerns. Shouting and screaming at them will not solve the problem.

Plan ahead: If possible, start planning for the upcoming school year a few weeks in advance. This will give you time to purchase supplies, arrange child care, and get your home organized.

Prepare for the worst: While it's important to hope for the best, it's also important to prepare for the worst. Make sure you have a plan in place in case your child gets sick or there is a school closure. This may include arranging for child care, having backup supplies on hand, and having a list of emergency contacts.

Create a routine: Having a set routine will help both you and your child feel more secure in this time of change. Wake up at the same time every day, make sure everyone has a set breakfast and lunch schedule, and try to stick to regular bedtimes as much as possible.

There is a shift, plan the transition slowly. Expect some distress as kids start settling into the new routine, but try to make it as smooth as possible.

Set realistic expectations: It's important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your family. Remember that this is a challenging time for everyone and things may not go perfectly. Cut yourself some slack and give yourself grace when things don't go according to plan.

Try to stay positive: While it's normal to feel stressed and anxious, it's important to try to stay positive. Focus on the things you're grateful for and look for the silver lining in every situation.

Have an open discussion with your kids about their concerns and what they're looking forward to the most about returning to school. This will help them feel heard and give you a better idea of how to support them.

Set aside time for yourself: To be the best parent you can be, you need to take care of yourself first. Make sure to schedule some time each day for yourself – whether it's going for a walk, reading a book, or taking a yoga class.

Seek out support: If you're struggling to cope with the stress and anxiety of the upcoming school year, reach out to your friends, family, or a mental health professional for support. It's important to remember that you're not alone in this – and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Still working online: If you're working from home, talk to your employer about your schedule and see if any flexible options would allow you to better balance work and school. This may include working from home one or two days a week, starting work later in the day, or taking a longer lunch break to allow for pick-ups and drop-offs.

Unable to manage the new change/Children have got used to the online schooling: 

If the online learning method suits you perfectly, then there are options for your kid to attend online schools and you can work from home as well. Explore the options to choose an online school for your kid.

We have listed schools that are offering virtual learning, do check them out, and if you want to know how they work in detail, we are available to answer your questions.