Parents and teachers have the critically important task of easing and smoothing the return of anxious children to school amidst fears of outbreak of a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic – Punita Malhotra As schools cautiously reopen for middle and senior classes countrywide after almost a year of Covid-enforced shutdown, amid a battery of safety protocols such as staggered student entry and exit, compulsory thermal screening, hands sanitisation, and social distancing, children are experiencing mixed feelings about returning to the physical classroom after ten months of online classes or forced idleness. Sentiments of anxiety, fear, and nervousness are mixed with feelings of happiness and relief at finally being able to meet with friends and teachers. Parents and teachers have the critically important task of easing and smoothing the return of anxious children to school amidst fears of outbreak of a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Here’s a five-point agenda for parents and educators to ease the return of children to campus classrooms: Manage your own stress first. “Though schools have reopened their senior classes, there is still so much ambiguity and uncertainty about how schools will balance remote learning and in-school classes. I am also anxious about my children attending school during the pandemic with the virus still very much out there,” says Aditi Mathur Pathak, Gurugram-based mother of a teen. Inevitably, parents are stressed but their stress is rubbing off on children. In a recent APA (American Psychological Association) Stress in America survey, 69 percent of parent respondents admitted that their stress impacted children. Further, 25-47 percent of adolescent children said that they were stressed by parental stress. Other research studies highlight that children cope more effectively with anxiety when parents role model good stress management behaviour. That’s why child psychologists urge parents to observe rules such as wishing children cheerful and confident goodbyes when they leave for school. It conveys that they (parents) believe that school is a safe place. Avoid leading questions such as “Are you feeling scared?” or “Will you be able to manage on your own” which are likely to exacerbate anxiety within children. Protect with facts, not false promises. Parents and educators need to reinforce the importance of following safety protocols related to social distancing, hand washing, thermal screening, among other precautionary measures. Initiate age-appropriate, open discussion with children about the implications of returning to school. For instance, young children should be prepped to expect a smaller number of students in class, teachers wearing masks, reduced group activities and staggered lunch and play timings. Children need to understand and feel reassured that their schools are following all necessary health and safety precautions and guidelines. It’s important to be honest with children and reiterate the importance of following and respecting the new standard operating procedures (SOPs). Moreover parents need to resist the temptation of making false promises such as “Don’t worry, no one is going to catch the virus in school.” Adjust to new routines. Delhi-based counsellor, Shaila Rawal says that parents need…
