Getting back into a routine is important to mental health

Dr Kalanit Ben-Ari, parenting and relationships expert and author, answers questions on children’s return to school. (kalanitbenari.com)

How do you think this time off school might have affected them?

I’m not worried about the academic gap, because I think kids will pick up very quickly. But it’s starting to affect their mental health more and more, so it’s good that they will be back in school from September.

How do you think going back to school will improve kids’ mental health?

I think when they go back it will be easier to tell them to stop using their phone or “you need a good night’s sleep.” Getting back into that routine is so important. At school they’ll be stimulated and they’ll develop more self discipline. It’s been challenging for them, especially if they’re vulnerable to social anxiety. I think maybe the start will be a little bit awkward - like when they started year seven and it felt overwhelming - but the sooner they get back the better for all of us. For the new year sevens to have not finished primary school properly, it’s going to be more challenging.

How can we support our children as they go back to school?

If they’re worried, I always start with validation. Reflect on what they’re saying and validate and normalise it. So: “I hear you’re a little bit worried …” and let them know that you trust that they’re capable of coping with it and you don’t have any doubt that they’ll succeed.

Pupils are being advised to walk or cycle to school - how do you think that will help their mental health?

Even before COVID-19, I would recommend that if people were driving to school they could park further away and walk for 15 minutes because again it’s related to sensory integration and all this movement is vital for the brain.

SUPPORTIVE: Dr Kalanit Ben-Ari.