COPING WITH THE TRANSITION BACK TO SCHOOL DURING COVID-19

Written By Feba Maryann 

There’s one thing about 2020 that we’d all admit, that we actually thought the world was ending. The fact that it was all going downhill got our physical and mental state deteriorating. But as they say, staying together in everything lets us practice the most reckless optimism. And to much of our delight, now we are almost done with a phase of social isolation. Slowly, it looks like we can get back to our lives whilst keeping the constraints in our minds. 

Nevertheless, this transition from being isolated to going back to normal can affect us, especially children in an adverse manner. Ergo, here are a few tips to help us cope better with the transition that the back-to-school phenomenon calls for. 

Understand And Acknowledge The Reasons For Your Anxiety

If our children are dealing with the unknown devil of uncertainty, it can wreak havoc in their minds, but here’s one way to eliminate the chaos- Acknowledge what is bothering them. What they need is neither dismissal nor reassurance on the issue. 

Make them realise the significance of a transparent conversation with themselves and others without suppressing their emotions to enable a clear and un-sceptical mind.  

Ask them to journal their anxieties, no matter how petty they may seem. Encourage conversations with like-minded people who can share what they face as well because then a collective solution for the common good is sure to rise. 

Repressed Emotions Block Your Energy

The fundamental way to deal with anything new is to act as if nothing has really changed. But in this case, it doesn’t work that way because feelings can be an outburst as a result of all the frustrating uncertainty. This is where parents play a key role, in emotionally structuring the mindset of their children towards the possible perils of the pandemic.  

As they grow and mature, try to have in-depth conversations that allow them to understand that it’s quite okay to not feel okay, and that coming out of it may seem like a herculean task, but it’s important to not hang in that phase for so long. 

Have Factual Awareness Of The Transpose 

Once you’ve had a conversation about how things can actually change, try to accept it. For instance, it’s going to be clear that when schools reopen, the classrooms may not run-in full capacity, and gathering activities like a morning assembly would be cancelled, or even the other co-curricular activities may hang back for a while.  

Try to find out what can be accomplished within the limitations and be a part of solutions that fit the bill of the new normal. 

The More You Fight It, The Lesser It Shows Its Face 

Instead of running away from their fears, learning to face those fears is a skill that children need to be taught. And that comes from accepting the situation for what it is and analysing what can be done. Also, asking for help when needed should be a constant mechanism. 

The Educator’s Role 

In this steady transition, educators and educational institutions have a fair share of responsibilities. After all, these institutions hold their field of guidance and support in the holistic welfare of their students. Therefore, understanding the disadvantages of the transpose, requires schools and colleges to be more tolerant towards the anxiety and fear factors affecting students.  

If your child’s school does not seem to be aware of these issues, talk to the respective authorities. 

Initiate Step-By-Step Comeback 

When the mental well-being of students is taken into consideration, supportive measures must be taken too. For instance, making a certain attendance percentage compulsory can take a toll on students, as physically being present for the class at all times in the current scenario, can add up to fear and anxiety. Similarly, instead of a dynamic approach, a rather gradual come back can help in easing the transition smoothly. 

Award Even The Smallest Of Things 

Encouragement and appreciation can go a very long way when it comes to making the impossible possible. By appreciating efforts put in by children and setting forth a model for good coping behaviour, children can feel aided with the best possible methods to tackle issues of the change with optimism.