Recently, two of my children returned to school for in-person instruction. My nerves were shot. Although I was excited for them to learn from a professional educator and play with other children their age, I was overthinking everything….as we mothers often do.
After much research and conversations with teachers, school officials, and even transportation staff, I finally felt like I had the tools to prepare my kids for a safe return.
5 Steps for A Safe In-Person Learning Transition
- Discuss new school policies with your child. Address any concerns your child may have about returning to in-person school. Reassure them that you are open and willing to receive any feedback. Also, inform them about the aspects of school that will look different to him/her and the changes he/she might experience. For example, the start and end time of school, the location of drop-offs and pickups, the class schedule, and the general setup of the classroom. Familiarize them with all the rules and procedures they must follow for a safe return. Try to focus on the positives, while still enforcing the new guidelines.
- Discuss and practice proper mask-wearing and handwashing, at home, with your child. Keep the conversation child-friendly. Discuss the importance of masks with your child, as well as reasons why some people may be restricted from wearing one, such as age or medical conditions. Give your child a sense of independence and control in terms of choosing the design, fabric, style, and/or color of the mask. Make it fun. Show them images of their favorite celebrities or stuffed animals wearing masks. Try to find effective masks that are breathable and comfortable. If the mask is too big, consider “mask earloop toggles.” They are a lifesaver! Have your child practice wearing the mask for 1-2 days around the house, within the duration your child is required to wear it in school. Remember to include a snack and lunch break. Plus, please make sure you, as a parent, are also modeling this behavior. Afterward, discuss and practice consistent and proper handwashing for 20 seconds. Suggest your child sing the “ABC Song” (or “Happy Birthday Song” twice), so your child doesn’t rush through the 20 seconds.
- Establish a new daily routine. Before school, consider providing your child with his/her own water in an insulated water bottle, clip-on hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol), snack (if applicable), lunch (if applicable), clean mask, and backup mask, along with the other school supplies and necessities he/she may need. After school, consider having your child immediately change his/her clothes, wash or discard his/her mask, and wash his/her hands. Regardless of what you choose, any new routine must be outlined and encouraged on a daily basis, until it becomes a normal practice.
- Implement a daily vitamin regimen. Speak with your child’s healthcare provider, regarding vitamins that can help strengthen your child’s immune system as well as the recommended daily intake for each vitamin. Get your child on a daily regimen, as soon as possible, to serve as a layer of defense. For my children, the three crucial vitamins are vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, which can also be found in a good multivitamin.
- Stay informed. Stay up-to-date on covid-19 and how it’s affecting your community via reliable resources such as the CDC, district or school website, and local department of public health or health services offices.
Breathe, Mama. Remember, children fare very well with information, structure, and predictability. You got this!
