HELP KIDS ADJUST TO CHANGES AT SCHOOL

With schools open again, children are adjusting to their ‘new normal’. Emma says it’s important to support them if they struggle and discuss different paths for the future

Most kids will find adapting to a new school regime challenging, thanks to reduced freedoms, restricted playtimes and curriculum changes. These could be particularly difficult if your kids are returning to their GCSEs or A-level final year after missing out on six months of lessons.

HEAR THEIR WORRIES

We parents need to help our kids find coping strategies to deal with these strange times. Don’t minimise the changes, instead help them to accept that this is how school life will be until the government decides otherwise. Empathise that this is frustrating, and allow your child to express their feelings. Share examples of changes you have had to undertake to the way you work, and the frustrations you also feel. This shows your child that it is OK to struggle, and they are not alone.

TAKE CHARGE

Encourage your child to identify the things that haven’t changed. This may be seeing their close friends and walking to and from school. Amplifying these consistencies can help remind them that it’s not all new. If your child worries they may catch COVID-19, remind them they are statistically more likely to get struck by lightning than to die of this disease. If they are worried about passing it to you, reassure them that it is your job to take care of them, not the other way around. Children need to feel that their parents are in charge and secure, so acting confidently has positive ramifications.

When it comes to your child having missed six months of education, it is understandable that they feel concerned. Take a team approach for the coming months. Think how can you help them grow in confidence. Take an active interest, ask about their day over dinner and if they’re struggling, look at free resources like BBC Bitesize together. Remind them that you are their biggest cheerleader.

ENCOURAGE THEM

Finally, help kids to understand that exams are not the be all and end all. Help them research all options, from BTECs to apprenticeships, to form a positive picture of their future, with or without the top results.