Whether your children are attending school in-person or virtually this fall, back-to-school looks quite different than it has in years past.
Feelings of uncertainty—whether they’re about wearing masks to school or spending a day on Zoom—are normal. Back-to-school time can usually create some stress and anxiety among adults and children alike. But coupled with the unknowns of the COVID-19 pandemic makes it an especially difficult time.
1.) Try your best to accept the uncertainty.
We’re all in new territory, and that can be quite challenging for folks who are used to structured days. Families who have adults working from home, and children, especially young children, attending school virtually will need to find new rhythms and routines as they go.
2.) Talk with your children.
It’s important for adults to honestly and calmly talk with children about COVID-19 and how school will look different because of it. If children are attending in-person classes, adults should discuss the importance of the safety precautions we’ve learned the past several months: practicing proper hand hygiene, social distancing, and wearing face coverings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has helpful tips for how best to talk with children about the pandemic.
3.) For kids attending school in-person.
Families with kids attending in-person school or child care need to monitor their children extra closely for any signs of illness. If children have symptoms, they should not attend school—unless they’re cleared by a health care professional. Experts continue to learn more about the ways COVID-19 manifests in children, and it is extremely important to be extra vigilant.
4.) For children attending school virtually.
Schedules for attending school virtually this fall will feel out of whack, but kids do better with structure. Work with your child to set a schedule (e.g., bedtime, wake-up time, homework time) that everyone can stick to and that feels somewhat “normal,” despite the non-normal circumstances. And set up a clutter-free workplace that is free of distractions to enable your students to focus.
5.) For all children.
Try to set positive examples by staying active, eating healthful meals, practicing self-care and focusing on the positive despite all of the unknowns we’re faced with right now. The Child Mind Institute also recommends limiting news consumption that feeds anxiety and staying in touch virtually as methods to help set the right tone at home. Regular physical activity, especially outdoors, is also a great way to help kids stay healthy. Action for Health Kids offers a great resource for supporting and encouraging physical activity with children.
Hundreds of organizations support their employees through The Ulliance Life Advisor Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Investing in the right EAP to support your employees before, during and after they face adverse events will help them and help you. Visit www.ulliance.com, or call 866-648-8326.
When you partner with Ulliance, our Life Advisor Consultants are always just a phone call away to teach ways to enhance your work/life balance and increase your happiness. The Ulliance Life Advisor Employee Assistance Program can help employees and employers come closer to a state of total well-being.
Combining years of clinical experience and the formation of a meaningful partnership with an organization’s human resources department, Ulliance is among the best EAP providers, and our experts can tailor recommendations for a variety of work\life circumstances.
Investing in the right EAP or Wellness Program to support your employees will help them and help you. Visit www.ulliance.com, or call 866-648-8326.
The Ulliance Employee Assistance Program can address the
following issues:
• Stress about work or job performance
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