Prepare Your Child for a Safe SCHOOL YEAR with These Tips

This year has certainly been a challenging one. With the spread of COVID-19, Americans have had to make changes and adjustments in their day-to-day life. From losing their job or working from home to limit the spread, many have had to make sacrifices to keep themselves and loved ones safe.

Now, it is back-to-school season, and many are on edge about returning to “normal”, or more so adjusting to a new normal. Both students and parents/guardians are going through the emotions and thoughts that are “let’s get back to school” but also “how do we keep our kids safe?”

As the school year is quickly approaching, here are some tips on how to ease your mind and prepare your child for a safe semester.

1. Prepare your child for a new set up.

Many school districts are implementing new regulations to keep students, teachers, and staff safe and well. School rooms and lunch areas may look different with safeguards in place. It’s probable that students will not be able to gather or converse next to each other and after school activities may be limited as well. Explain to your child that these procedures are only to limit and prevent the spread of COVID-19. These new changes may be difficult for your child to adapt to, but it’s important that they understand the reasoning behind the regulations.

2. Promote mask wearing.

The CDC recommends that everyone wear a mask or face covering to limit the spread of COVID-19. Masks may slow the spread of the virus and keep people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Because of the CDC recommendations, many school systems require that students, teachers, and staff wear a mask when in the building. This can be frustrating to students, especially younger children. Explain to your child that mask wearing is a necessity for their safety and their family’s. There are tons of masks available with various prints and designs to accentuate your child’s style. Perhaps, allow your child to choose a few of their favorites for the school year.

3. Educate your child on social distancing & proper hygiene.

As schools begin to open, physical distancing from others will be a top priority for school administration. Like mask wearing, you should educate your child on the importance of social distancing. If you’ve been following the CDC guidelines, social distancing should not be new to your child; however, it may be difficult for them to grasp in a school setting. Explain that physical distancing is just as critical in school as it is in a grocery store and will keep them, their friends, favorite teachers, and family safe.

Regular hand washing should also be encouraged, especially since school is back in session. Send your child to school with their own personal hand sanitizer and explain that they should use it often when hand washing is not available.

4. Listen to your child’s concerns.

This school year can be scary for many. Parents have their concerns about their child’s safety and education. But understand that your child also has their own worries. If your child is expressing concern, listen and try to ease their worries. Also, it should be noted that some school districts are allowing students to take courses online. This may be an alternative option to consider that can benefit your child and your family as well. 

There’s no doubt that 2020 has been quite a year for the books. And with the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., many are still left uncertain about the rest of the year and the following years. With that said, many are preparing to adjust to a new set up — jobs, income, home care and school.

We hope these tips will help you prepare for the upcoming modified school year.