Work with your child and identify one key issue that is causing concern right now – set a realistic goal, for example, ‘to have a fun time with my friends when I go back to school’. Make a step-by-step plan working towards the goal:
- Talk with your child and identify a series of steps that will help them work towards and ultimately achieve the goal (between five and ten).
- Rate each step according to the level of anxiety and make sure that the first one is very achievable, such as something that your child can already do (for example talking to friends on social media).
- Order the steps according to the levels of anxiety, starting with least cause for concern and ending with the final goal.
- Give lots of positive feedback – praise and celebrate all efforts along the way.
- If necessary break down each step into smaller more manageable steps and repeat any step if needed – remember this is a marathon, not a sprint. Talk to your child’s school. All schools will have plans in place about children returning to their classes. It is important that you make yourself aware of these – be informed. Listed below are some things that you can do in conjunction your child’s schools:
- Create a social story for your child about returning to school. Be sure to include information about any new or different arrangements that might be in place, for example, class sizes, working in a different space or changes in adult support. Ask the school if they can supply photographs if necessary. Share this with your child before their return.
- Make lists with your child about anything they may need to take with them that might be different to usual. Encourage your child to plan what they will need to pack in their bag.
- Set up Zoom or FaceTime conversations for your child with some of their friends before it’s time to start back.
- Talk to other parents about what they are doing to prepare their children for returning to school.
- Talk to staff in the school – make them aware of any anxieties your child may have. People in schools will be more than willing to offer support and helpful advice.