COVID-19: 5 Tips for Preparing Children to Return to School

With schools preparing to reopen following global closures thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, it's understandable that you would be concerned about sending your children back to class. Even armed with hand sanitizer and face masks, it's scary to think of sending your little ones (and not-so-little-ones) out into the world in any respect. After all, you've spent the past few months doing whatever you could to keep them from falling ill and worrying about the possibility at all hours. They're likely nervous themselves.

It might not be possible to alleviate either of your discomforts entirely but you can take a few steps to make sure your kids, as well you, to feel a little more prepared for going back to school.

Help Them Understand Guidelines

You've probably explained guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) through the last several months. When it comes to schools reopening, it's more important than ever to make sure they're aware of the best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The CDC has released specific considerations for schools to keep in mind to protect students and staff.

Similarly, review any information your children's school has sent out about their onsite plans to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, or reach out to ask about them if you haven't received anything. Unicef has a helpful list of questions to ask teachers or administrators so you'll know just what to say. Make sure you understand what's precautions and practices will be in place so you can help your child to better know what they're in for.

Invest in High-Quality Face Coverings

The CDC has maintained throughout the pandemic that wearing a face mask when social distancing is difficult can help to slow the spread of COVID-19. At the absolute minimum, be sure that your child has one reusable cloth mask. Preferably, they'll have a few to switch between while the others get clean. To make it a little more fun for little kids or a bit more fashionable for teens, pick up some masks with fun designs or different patterns to fit each child's personal style.

Practice Social Distancing

You've most likely been practicing proper social distancing whenever you and your children have had to leave the house throughout the past several months. Even still, it can't hurt to review. The more that maintaining social distance becomes second nature to your child, the easier they'll find it to keep it up in the classroom.

Watch Out for Their Health

Of course, it's important to maintain your child's physical health as much as possible. Make sure they're washing their hands, taking their vitamins, and generally practicing healthy habits. But their mental health is equally important, especially following months of isolation. There's bound to be an adjustment period as your child reintegrates with friends and peers but, if they seem to be struggling with mental health issues, consider finding them a mental health professional, like a child therapist, to help them through it. Research an assortment of therapists and counselors to find the best fit for your son or daughter.

Make Sure They're Learning

After the chaos of the past few months, it's important to make sure your children aren't falling behind as school resumes or struggling with schoolwork once they've returned. Check-in with your child's teacher or review the state requirements for their grade level to see how they're progressing. Look into tutoring or ask for additional resources from their teacher to help them get back on track as easily as possible.

Work with your children ahead of time to make sure that, when the time comes for them to return to school, you're both confident in their ability to stay healthy while learning. By sticking to expert-recommended best practices like face masks and social distancing, stocking up on cloth face masks and other essential supplies, and helping their body and brain stay as healthy as possible, your children will have as seamless a return as they can.