A guide on how to prepare your child mentally and emotionally to return to school after lock down.
It is a very stressful time for the education system and for parents who are striving to do the best for their children who are returning to school. The structure and discipline which schools provide is essential for their growth. It is inevitable that normal life will resume, with this ‘extended school holiday’ not really benefitting mothers who need to return to work.
Many parents have made the decision to send their children back to school because of their holistic development. Others still harbour fears that their child may be at great risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus and have taken the step to keep them at home.
As a mother of three, I understand the anxiety that goes with exposing your child to such a risk. However, if you are motivated to move forward and create a new normal, you have to make more effort to equip your children to adapt to any situation during these changing times.
Here are some steps you can take as parents to empower your children:
Help them to feel safe and secure by eradicating any fears and worries that you may have about their return to school. Children often pick up on your anxiety, likewise your calmness and positivity about them returning to school will also rub off on them.
Educate your child about the different stages of lock down and the measures of hygiene that they would need to follow to be safe. Use creative role play exercises at home to demonstrate the level of social distancing required at school, and enact the dos and don’ts in a fun way.
Prepare them mentally with short daily quizzes as a recap of their term’s work, and practice brain gym exercises with them to activate their memory box.
Connecting them with their school friends via a video call will get them in high spirits and contribute to their motivation and optimism about returning to school. School plays a huge role in their social, personal and academic development.
Help your child to rid themselves of negative thoughts or paranoia about contracting the virus at school, by reminding them to have faith in God and in themselves. Spirituality for children during these uncertain times also contributes to psychological wellbeing and is the only constant that they can look to, to boost their inner strength and courage.
We can get our children ready for school by going back to basics: strict sleeping and wake up times, and creating a routine similar to school will support them in their transition. Be aware of your child’s emotional concerns that may affect them negatively. Get professional assistance if necessary. Create resilient children who are able to stay focused on positive outcomes and are fully equipped to handle any challenges that come their way.
By Farah Manjoo, Female & Kids Empowerment Coach, www.baraaqahealingsanctuary.co.za.