As emphasized in Alyson Jones’s blog dated August 27th, 2020, returning to school this fall comes with many unknowns. In the teaching and learning environment there are new rules, foreign protocols, and heightened levels of anxiety amongst children, parents, and school staff amidst the pandemic’s permeating affects and the Ministry’s ever-pivoting regulations around how best to keep children safe, happy, and engaged.

The return to school this September is unlike anything we have seen or experienced before.  There is always some anxiety for children as they return to school – but in the time of Covid-19 the anxiety of both parents and children are at an all time high. 

Here are some tips on how to handle the transition back to school during this unusual and unprecedented year. 

We need to be proactive and talk with our children about racism, protests, and riots. The death of George Floyd has impacted us all.  Covid-19 created a time of unexpressed feelings and fears for many, and now a wave of grief and frustration has arisen after the heartbreaking murder of George Floyd at the knee of a police officer was caught on tape and broadcast across the world. 

After months of isolation we are beginning to emerge again.  The patios are beginning to open and many of us are vying for appointments with our hairdresser.  Transit and traffic are getting busier, and the hustle and bustle is just beginning again.  Some of us are excited about the return of valued services and social opportunities while others are fearful and mourn the loss of our quiet and reflective time.  This is a time of embracing restored freedoms and dealing with anxious feelings about what will come next.   

We are all feeling the wear and tear of almost two months of self-isolation and our new Coivd-19 reality. Although we understand there is value in our family time and important lessons to learn – we are all still feeling an exhaustion and a wish for things to be back to normal.  Things will never be normal in the way they were before – but as humans we will find ways to adapt and bounce back from this challenge.

Here are some tips on how to mange your relationship, your work and your family in this new Covid-19 reality.