It’s back-to-school time, and this year our kids are facing more than the usual first-day jitters. Last year they mostly had to learn at home, seeing friends only over Zoom or FaceTime. Now, the new school year is likely bringing new anxieties:
- They’re wondering whether they’ve fallen behind academically, in their favorite sport, or both.
- They’ve been worried about whether they or their parents will get COVID-19.
- The mask-up-in-school guidance has been confusing, to say the least.
- And they may be secretly afraid that they won’t know how to get along in person with their friends anymore.
Give them structure
Don’t assume that because things are getting back to normal that your kids will easily fall back into their old pre-pandemic lives without your guidance.
One way to help your child adjust to the new school year is by offering the comfort of family meals on a regular schedule. Use this time to talk together, to encourage them to share their concerns, and find solutions.
Our Family Table Time kits are an excellent resource that can help. For example, this month’s topics include organizational skills, back to school, fears and anxiety, and bullies and violence.
Sign up now to receive your first kit an
d each week you’ll receive colorful and engaging Family Table Time materials specially designed to nurture communication and bring your family closer.
Other stress relievers
Other great ways to help them work out their anxiety include:
- caring for animals
- evening walks around the block
- yoga
- mindfulness meditation
These are all activities that you can do as a family to help promote togetherness, build stronger family relationships, and encourage better communication.
