Navigating Back-to-School During COVID-19

School is back in session–however, many students are struggling to adjust to this “new normal,” on top of the anxiety, fear, and stress that the typical back-to-school season brings. Similarly, parents are grappling with how to best support their children. It’s important to remember that every family is navigating these challenges for the first time, but this is not forever—we will get through it!

Tips to help parents support their child

• Create structure and stick to it. It’s important that students maintain schedules and expectations. While so much in the world is unknown right now, routines help relieve everyday pressures and give everyone tasks and activities to look forward to.
• Take a break from the news. Being informed is crucial to stay safe; however, it’s also important to set healthy boundaries of news coverage that could heighten the anxiety that they are already feeling.
• Reduce daily screen time. Because the pandemic has forced most conversations to occur online, many fail to realize the amount of time being spent in front of screens. Set daily limits on when your child should be completing online work and maintaining virtual relationships. Ensure that you have incorporated activities that don’t require digital screens into their daily routines.
• Incorporate some form of exercise daily. This can range from going for a 20 minute walk, playing with your household pet, or doing an activity that you or your child enjoys participating in. Increasing your heart-rate for 20 to 30 minutes a day can help release positive endorphins and reduce the stress of daily responsibilities.
• Touch base with your child regularly. Effectively communicating with your child is essential. It’s difficult to know how your child is coping and how you can appropriately support them without asking. Approach this topic openly, paying close attention to their comfort level.
• It’s ok to acknowledge that this transition is difficult. There is no one-size-fits-all guide to navigating your family’s transition back to school. Remember that you are not alone and adjusting to this “new normal” may take some time.
  

While everyone is struggling with this transition, it’s also important to recognize when your child may need additional support. If you’re unsure whether your child’s mental health struggles require care that you cannot provide at home, ask for help. Initially, you can reach out to your child’s teacher or school counselor to see if they have noticed any signs or symptoms that require additional support. In addition, your primary care doctor can be a wonderful resource who can assist with a mental health screening and help determine the best next steps for supporting your child.

Contact Us

If you are struggling to find an appropriate resource for your child’s mental health needs, Charlie Health is here to support you. Give us a call and our team of professionals will gladly walk you through our offerings as well as help you determine what level of care is right for your child. You are not alone.