Mental health tips as students return to school during COVID-19

She says routine is very important and kids tend to thrive when they know what to expect, adding it’s important to be adaptable if things don’t work out.

“Help kids by reminding them of the challenges they already faced thinking back to the last semester and how they’ve coped with changes over the break.”

And it’s important to remind kids of all the efforts schools and teachers are doing for a safe return which will help set a positive mindset.

Rickard says families also need to keep expectations realistic and it may not be possible to pack everything in this year. So something might have to give.

“And that thing that gives should not be children’s mental health or parent’s mental health. So we do need to perhaps be flexible or make some adjustments.”

She says these changes are not permanent and there will be opportunities down the road.

Rickard also reminds adults to have a calm and confident outlook on the pandemic situation.

“Our children don’t need us to pretend that everything is normal because it’s not. But it’s very helpful for them to see us acknowledge what’s difficult and for us to share with them how we are coping and to practice things that might be difficult. Having conversations about emotions is really healthy and helpful for kids and coping, but it might not be easy for us. So we need to be prepared to try new things and extend our own skills a little bit.”

Parents also need to confide when they’re overwhelmed, but to be mindful of who’s overhearing those conversations.

“As for older children, I think it’s really important to acknowledge that it’s a difficult time and there’s a lot of change going on. Always a good idea to invite children to ask their questions because that’s how they make assumptions about what they know and what they’re worried about. But by letting children take the lead and listening carefully and inviting their questions and they’ll let us know what’s on their minds,” Rickard said.

Adding that adults can build resilient children when things are out of their control.

“It’s not possible to have a life without challenges and kids are actually much more capable than we often give them credit for when coping with hardship. As long as we can acknowledge something is hard and then begin to equip them with the skills to tackle those challenges.”

Meantime, Brian Geislinger Vice President of Corporate Relations with Alberta Blue Cross has three kids entering elementary school this fall.

Two are twins going into grade one. He says as a family, they’re doing what they can to prepare their kids for a different year.

“They’re excited about entering school, but at the same time, they’re a bit fearful. They hear what’s going on in the world, they hear parents and family talking, and they know about COVID-19, germs, and the pandemic. We want them to have an easy experience entering school as possible but understanding that it’s not regular times and we have to work together to get through this. Try to reduce their stress while reducing our own at the same time,” he said.

Geislinger adds Alberta Blue Cross plan members have been accessing mental health supports more during the pandemic, and encourages members to continue to seek resources.

by Chantal Wagner

Mental health tips as students return to school during COVID-19

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