Back to School in a Pandemic

From the North Central Family Resource Network newsletter:

This school year already looks different with COVID-19 protocols in place for students, staff and parents. Our Parent Educator, Lisa, has written some tips for families as they enter into this new season of back to school and transitions:

Be sensitive to your child’s feeling and emotions. Take time out of your day to listen to them and validate their feelings. By responding in a calm and caring way, you will reassure your child that you hear them and care about them.

Help kids help themselves to feel safe. Frequent talks about keeping socially distant and frequent handwashing for at least twenty seconds will help kids feel in control and empowered.

Breathing exercises are a great way to de-stress and get centered. A simple one is to pretend you are smelling a flower – breathe in and breathe out slowly. Practice as a family.

Have regular chats with your children about how their day went at school, ask questions and let them know you are there to listen and help with anything they are dealing with.

Click here to learn more about parenting during COVID-19

Click here to learn more about emotional regulation during COVID-19