As we head back to school in September, we can take comfort knowing that this is a change for everyone. Whether students are returning to the classroom or to a virtual learning environment, there are ways to provide support and boost confidence during this transition.
Today’s Wellness Wednesday has some tips and resources to help prepare for school.
Try this:
As a class, group, or family: · Together, read through the LDCSB Prepare for School Tip Sheet. Talk about the information below:
- Get organized. Preparing for school can give people some comfort and control. Find supplies, check devices, set up work stations, etc.
- Introduce familiar routines. Together, plan the school week schedule (i.e., meal times, wake and bed times, activities, etc.). Decide how to make the shift. It can be helpful to practice.
- Talk about school. It is common to have mixed emotions about returning to school. Talk about feelings and concerns. Here are some ideas to start a conversation:
How do you feel about going to school?
Who are you excited to see this year?
What are you looking forward to?
What are you worried about?
What will be your go-to coping strategy?
What are some ways to feel calm?
- Use coping and calming tools. During times of transition, things feel different. It is common to feel uncertain or overwhelmed. Have a go-to list of ways that work for you to cope and calm down (i.e., take deep breaths, have a drink or a snack, get fresh air, colour, draw, exercise, etc.).
- Take care of you: Take some time each day to do something just for you that helps you to feel well and happy. This helps us be the best support we can to others in our life.
Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer:
How do I feel about the return to school?
Am I able to support myself and others with calm and confidence that everyone is doing their best to make return to school healthy, happy and successful?
Connecting to our faith:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
God is with us as we make plans and prepare. Even in difficult times, we can find hope in Him.
Further Learning:
· TIP SHEET: LDCSB Prepare for School Tip Sheet for Families
· RESOURCES: LDCSB Mental Health and Well-being Resources www.ldcsb.ca/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1076472&type=d&pREC_ID=1370029
·TIP SHEET: Support a Mentally Healthy Back to School for Your Child https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Supporting-Mental-Health-and-Wellness-during-the-Return-to-School-Tip-Sheet-EN.pdf
· VIDEO: By Your Side – How To Support Your Child's Transitions https://youtu.be/2X4nmCK2rZQ
· RESOURCES: Resources for Parents and Families to Support Children https://smho-smso.ca/parents-and-caregivers/
Employees of LDCSB check out WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell We welcome your feedback, click here!