2020 has been quite a year especially when
it comes to education. The lock down has had a deep effect on all of us in so
many ways but the impact on our children and young people has been quite
profound. Prior to lock down there was plenty of moaning from my children about
going to school but since March I think they have appreciated it a little bit
more. They’ve missed the structure, the interaction with their friends, the
variety and the challenges (they of course wouldn’t admit of these things but
they have!). The end of their schooling
back in March was quite abrupt with no time to be able to meet their new
teacher, see their new class or visit their new school. I know many schools
have been amazing at keeping in touch with their students but these little
things help so much with the transition to the next step.
Returning to school this year will hold
many more challenges with thousands of children not having a classroom based
lesson since March, the return to school will hold extra worries and anxieties.
I know I miss the cues but it is good to take some time to think about how they
are feeling. Back to school for the first time in 6 months is going to be a
huge worry, even if they don’t openly show it. For parents there can be many
considerations too, from the cost of uniform to the uncertainty of what
schooling with actually look like to also helping children to navigate a whole
new approach, the next few weeks are going to be a roller coaster for all of us.
Don’t underestimate the levels on anxiety
being felt. I know from personal experience, my son moving to senior school was
a massive change for me (and that was without a global pandemic). Where had
those 11 years gone? How was I old enough to have a son at senior school?!
There are great websites out there with
plenty of advice. I wish I had read them years ago!
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/anxiety-in-children/
Below is a link to a really interesting document which focuses on helping
anxious children and how to support your child through change.
The Anxious Child attachment gained from www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Good luck for September, make sure you’ve got your tissues at the
ready as we try to get back to some sort of normal.
Ingrid
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