Feeling Anxious About Your Kids Going Back to School? You Are Not Alone
With the fall quickly approaching, many students will be returning to the classroom either on a full- or part-time schedule. Many parents are feeling torn, not knowing if it is safe to send their kids back into the classroom. Yet other parents do not feel it is best for their children to remain at home, missing out on the social interactions provided in the classroom. For working parents, there is the issue of how they will continue working if their kids are home schooling. All of this uncertainty and worry about making the right decision can cause stress on the parents.
Here are 5 ways to stay calm during the decision-making process:
1.Stay up-to-date on news. Knowing what is happening with the virus and how schools all over the country are handling this may be a good source for helping decide what is best for your children.
2. Talk to school counselors. Talk to them about the school’s plans to move forward and your concerns. They can provide insight into the best decision you can make for your child.
3. Have a conversation with your children. Ask them how they feel about going back to school and if they have options, what they would choose to do.
4. Ask other parents what they are feeling. Talking to others in your same position can be helpful. It may ease your anxiety knowing other families are feeling the same way.
5. Don’t show your concerns to your kids. If they see you are anxious and concerned, they too will start feeling the same way. This can put a damper on their ability to start the school year off on a good note.
“We know that many parents feel torn about the possibility of sending their child back to school. Parents want their children to be safe and at the same time, parents are concerned about the developmental and social effects that keeping their child out of school could present,” says Jillian Young, MA, LPC, ACS, program director, School Based Clinical Services, Intensive In-Community Services. “Feeling that you, as a parent, are making the right decision for your child can be a tremendous source of stress and worry.”
If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious and could benefit from additional support in preparation for the school year ahead, our clinicians are available to help. Call our main number at 844-4-ACENDA (844-422-3632 x9500) for more information about our counseling and telehealth services.
Sources:
www.Parents.com
www.usnews.com