5 Ways to Help Kids With Anxiety Return to School During COVID

One year ago, when “Helping Children Manage Anxiety at School: A Guide for Parents and Educators in Supporting the Positive Mental Health of Children” was published, the idea that a source of anxiety could be brought on by a worldwide pandemic never entered the list of anxiety triggers in children. 

Many children and teens who may never have dealt with school anxiety, are now dealing with the very real fear of returning to school during the COVID crisis.  For those who already struggle with anxiety at school, especially those with separation anxiety, the fear of germs, social anxiety, or anxiety brought on numerous other triggers, the pandemic in another layer to battle.  

In order to meet the needs of children and teens today, here are additional tips on how you can help your child, or children in your classroom, deal with the anxiety of returning to school during record high cases of COVID.  

As a side, note before sharing this much-needed information, I must be honest, as a teacher and a parent, I am extremely nervous about returning to school.  I know that physically being in school is the best way for most children to learn.  It is the best way for most teachers to teach.  School provides far more than just academic tools…it provides socialization, relationships, mental health services, meals and health services, and so forth.  Returning to school is definitely a priority for most everyone but it must be done safely…for staff and students.  At this precise moment, I do not feel that it is safe to return.  That being said, I am a teacher and I will return because my students need me.  

The information below will help you prepare your child, or students, to return to school in spite of the rational fears brought on by COVID.  Often times, anxiety presents irrational fears in children in association with being at school.  While the fears are real to the child, the level of fear is often exaggerated.  In the case of COVID, the anxiety your child is feeling is rational.  

You must put on a brave, confident face

To me, this is the most challenging aspect of parenting, any child, but especially a child dealing with anxiety.  If your child senses your anxiety, it will fuel theirs.  In the case of COVID, your child is certainly aware of the fears this virus brings out.  He or she sees the masks being worn in public, the use of hand sanitizers and frequent hand washing, the socially distanced gatherings, and even the inability to visit certain family and friends.  If you want your child to return to school feeling confident, you must balance being honest with your child with the idea that you are comfortable with your child being in school.  

Remind your child of the safety measures being taken

Spend time explaining to your child the safety measures that are being put in place at school.  Depending on your child’s age, make sure that they understand why these measures are in place and how they keep children safe.  It is important that children know that their teachers care about their safety and will be working hard to ensure everyone’s safety in all ways possible.  This means ensuring hand washing and sanitizers are used often and effectively.  If students are to wear masks at school, teaches will ensure that they are worn properly while at school.  

Help your child be comfortable with masks

Many schools are requiring staff and students to wear masks at school and on the bus.  Prior to school, have your child spend time wearing a mask for longer periods of time.  Right now, most kids are wearing masks when walking through a store.  Once school starts, masks will need to be worn for hours at a time.  Additionally, have your child spend time around others in masks to get comfortable with the look and with communicating with someone in a mask.  For some children, it may help to have your child pick our masks with patterns that they enjoy wearing…similar to picking out new shoes for the return to school.

Work through separation anxiety now

Many children (of all ages) have spent nearly all of their time at home with their parents.  Suddenly, they are being asked to leave the safety of their home and parents to return to school.  It is important that your child spend time away from you and their home, even for short periods of time, before the first day of school.  This is tricky since we are supposed to be socially distancing (yet returning to school).  Reach out to friends and schedule playdates (with masks if needed), allowing children to be together someplace other than at home.  If you are not comfortable with your child being in someone else’s house, arrange to drop your child off with another family at a park or other outdoor area.  Similarly, reach out to family members about spending time together again (with masks) to give the child some time away from their parent.  Find out more ways to help a child with separation anxiety with “9 Ways to Improve Separation Anxiety in Children“.  

Point out positives of returning to school

While returning to school during these times is scary given the many unknowns of COVID, there are advantages with the return of school.  Make sure your child focuses on them.  These advantages will be different for all children depending on their views of school.  For some children, the return of school allows them to see friends that haven’t been around since March.  For others, who thrive on the academic challenges, they can once again be taught by their teachers and have discussions with peers.  

We are in unchartered times with so many unknowns.  Anxiety levels will be higher than ever before and children and teens who have not experienced anxiety in the past may be facing it for the first time.  Children used to anxiety may struggle to cope with the increased emotions and fears they are dealing with.  The most important thing that parents and teachers can do for their children is to be available to listen and love.