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6 Ways to Manage Anxiety Around Your Child Going Back to School During COVID-19

Nancy MacGregor MA, ATR-BC, LPC, ACS, Clinical Director

If you are a parent, you may be wondering how your kid can return to school safely in the Fall during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both children and parents are feeling the major disruptions COVID-19 has caused in their daily routines. Face-to-face learning is critical in maximizing learning opportunities for children. However, with social distancing measures in place and fears of the Coronavirus being spread, it may seem impossible for schools to provide a learning environment that children can excel in. There are several steps you and your child can take before returning to school to make managing anxiety easier and keep your family healthy.

Ways to Manage Anxiety About Returning to School

Every year returning to school is an exciting as well as stressful time. This year is no different. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, students, teachers, and parents are all more stressed than normal. It’s natural to have this reaction. As individual schools, school districts, and local governments make their protocols clear, everyone has to adjust. Here at Harmony Bay Wellness, we understand just how trying of a time this can be. But here are some simple ways you can stay in control and reduce or prevent anxiety from getting out of hand.

First, set a routine. Parents and children should set a routine before returning to school. Setting a time to wake up and go to sleep can make the transition easier once school starts. Set specific times for children to complete their school assignments and encourage them to reach out if they are struggling. As you do so, make sure to share concerns you or your children may have with teachers and the school district. If you are a parent who has concerns about the safety of your child’s classroom or your child is having anxiety about returning to school during COVID-19, it is important to express your concerns to your child’s teacher and the school administration. Nothing is ever solved by staying silent. Reach out and talk with others; they may have similar concerns and even solutions.

Make Sure the Children Are Prepared

Encourage your child to follow precautions. One of the best ways to prevent Coronavirus is to encourage handwashing, wearing face masks, and practicing social distancing. Teaching children that even though germs are invisible, they are still there is important. To help make handwashing fun, teach them to sing along to their favorite song while washing their hands. No matter their age, make these precautions a habit now, so they’re easier to follow in the future.

Also, check-in with your child to see how they are coping. Having regular conversations with your child to check-in and see how they are doing is important in helping you and your child maintain positive mental health. Expect your child’s emotions to change regularly. So, encourage creative activities such as drawing and help them communicate their negative feelings of sadness, fear, and anger.

Advice for the Whole Family

Get outside. Getting exercise is important for positive mental health. Finding outside activities to participate in with your child can help reduce anxiety in both you and your child. Some activities you can do together include, going for a bike ride or nature walk, and practicing sports.

Eat Healthy. Believe it or not, the types of food you eat can directly impact your mental health. Make sure you are getting a well-balanced diet that excludes junk food as much as possible.

Managing Anxiety at Harmony Bay Wellness

If you are experiencing anxiety about your child returning to school, reach out to a licensed therapist at Harmony Bay Wellness in Clementon, New Jersey. We provide individualized therapy treatment for adults for anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and more. Call us today at [Direct].

Treatment with Harmony Bay

Harmony Bay is an outpatient behavioral health service that offers primary mental health treatment for a variety of mental health disorders. Our mission is to make mental health care convenient and affordable while providing an unmatched experience to our clients. contact us today by calling 855.765.6399.