Return To School and Mental Health
Transitions
As we transition into late summer, school becomes a main source of topic for both adults and youth. Transitions in general are difficult to navigate and can cause stress, anxiety, and dread. Heading back into the school year is a time that can be both exciting, and scary. This year there is the added feelings related to whether the structure will be consistent for the entire year. Or, if we are going to experience “Groundhog’s Day of COVID 2020” and have a repeat of last year’s unpredictable routine.
Parents
Positive Feelings
For some parents, the schoolyear provides some relief. They know their children are engaging in academic learning, and the opportunity for social and emotional development. The structure of the school day helps their children thrive. And for this, the parents feel a sense of safety. They also feel confidence in the positive relationships their children form with staff. School can also be a nice break for stay-at-home/working from home parents. And, an equally valued place for working outside the home parents who cannot be with their children during the day. For these parents, the 2021-2022 school year is much needed and there are hopes for a typical schoolyear.
Negative Feelings
There are also some parents who worry for their children going back to school for a variety of reasons. Reasons might include, fear of their child being bullied or rejected by peers, worry about their child’s academic performance, concerns about their child’s behaviors in the school setting, worry about physical or mental health complications when at school, and the list goes on. Some parents also dread school due to their own negative experiences with school as a child. They might also have worry about interactions with the school as a parent.
Mixture of Feelings
There is also the group of parents who feel a little excitement and worry. Back to school supply shopping can be fun and/or a financial burden. Meeting teachers can be reassuring and/or fear-invoking. Thinking about sending kids to school with a new wave of COVID-19 can be scary and/or manageable. There can also be a mixture of knowing school structure is positive but having worry about any learning, social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. There are also some parents who are thankful for the kids being back in routine, and also they are worried about COVID-19 safety.
Teachers/School Staff
Parents are not the only adults who are having a lot of feelings about this upcoming transition to the 2021-2022 schoolyear. The school system staffs have already been back to work, busy planning for another year where there is no certainty about masks, online learning, and illness protocols. The stress of having to plan for the many different backup plans, and also worry about the emotional wellbeing and academic progress of the students is high. There is also growing concerns about the new wave of COVID-19 and the safety of staff and students.
Youth
Lastly, there are the children who have many hopes and fears that at times can parallel their parent’s feelings. Many children enjoy learning and the social aspect that the school system provides. They thrive when they are in a routine and enjoy being able to interact with school staff and peers. There are also many children who dislike academics for a variety of reasons and have social or behavioral considerations which can make school stressful. They may dread going back to school due to the expectations that school systems and parents enforce. There is trepidation about online, hybrid, and in person learning for safety reasons, learning reasons, and social reasons.
Navigation
Routine
Some schools have already resumed classes while other districts are on the cusp of the start of the year. How do we navigate another year where we do not have felt safety in knowing what to expect? Starting now, getting back into some familiar routines with bedtime, meals, and down time is important. This will help the transition feel more gradual, rather than an abrupt 180-degree shift. This is equally important for the adults and children.
Remain positive
It is helpful to discuss the child’s fear and hopes/goals for the schoolyear to provide reassurance and validation. Adults should limit discussion of their own fears or concerns to model confidence in the school system and the child’s ability to navigate the schoolyear. Focusing on the positive aspects of school, such as activities, academic classes, peer relationships, and/or positive staff relationships will assist the youth with maintaining a positive attitude. Proactive communication from and to the school system (teachers, counselors, administration, and other supports) will also enhance school connectedness and promote positive relationships with the school system and family.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness and staying in the present will be key to navigating this year. For some adults and youth, last year was not a positive experience and the fear of this upcoming year is already creating havoc. Remind children and/or adults that the past already happened, and the future is unknown. Focus on right now and what we can do today to have a good day and enjoy feeling happy. Practice noticing sensory input such as sights, sounds, and smells that will reinforce being present. The transition back into school will happen and we will navigate it as it comes.