Preparing Children for a New School Year in a Pandemic
Dr. T. Jann Caison-Sorey
| 3 min read
Dr. T. Jann Caison-Sorey is a pediatrician, adolescent medicine physician and senior medical director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Children returning to school is always a special time of year. But due to COVID-19, this fall may be particularly challenging. The transition from in-school classes to online learning has been abrupt. It’s been a major adjustment for parents, children and their teachers alike. Here are some tips on how everyone can better prepare themselves for what’s ahead.
Establish a Routine
After months away, the expectation of a traditional school schedule may seem overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to start practicing time management now, specifically in the mornings and at night. Begin by implementing the following behaviors:
- Gradually adjust bedtime to be 15 minutes earlier each night. Grade school students need 9 to 12 hours of sleep. If a child must be awake at 6 a.m., their bedtime should be around 8 p.m.
- Have an evening schedule with limits that allows free time outside of homework.
- Set time restrictions for all electronics.
- Unplug at least an hour before bedtime.
Prepare for Online Learning
While virtual classes aren’t necessarily new, they may be a larger and more permanent part of the school year. Here are four ways to set children up for success:
- Create a dedicated workspace with limited distractions. It should be equipped with all the materials and supplies necessary for learning.
- Reach out to your child’s school and their teacher. Ask about online learning and study guides. Focus on important subject matter and look for additional information on upcoming lessons.
- Remember to encourage movement and breaks throughout the day.
- Set time limits for online classes and study.
Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment
Regular doctor’s visits are critical to tracking growth, development and obtaining recommended vaccinations. This includes influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rotavirus, polio, pneumonia and meningitis, among others. Throughout COVID-19, many routine checkups have been postponed. But it’s more important than ever to maintain these visits. Ask your doctor about their current safety protocols and if telehealth is a viable option. Learn what is required and follow the necessary precautions.
Understand Mental Health Challenges
This school year will likely change how students learn and interact. That means a disruption in traditional activities and less face-to-face socialization with friends. For some, this could be a difficult adjustment that takes a serious toll. Children are often resilient, but parents and caregivers should watch for subtle warning signs of potential problems:
- Behavioral Changes: These could include tiredness, insomnia or oversleeping, as well as changes in appetite. The child may also have body aches or headaches, practice poor hygiene, engage in risky behavior, self-harm or substance use.
- Emotional Changes: These could include feelings of sadness, hopelessness and a loss of interest in usual activities. Children may also have low self-esteem, guilt and a fixation on past failures. Some can be extremely sensitive to rejection, and experience thoughts of suicide.
If symptoms persist and interfere with a child’s normal routine, contact a mental health professional. Look for someone who specializes in children and adolescent behavior (like a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist in behavioral health). There are also additional resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Parents can also utilize Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s free crisis hotline at 833-848-1764. The service is available to both members and non-members. More from MIBluesPerspectives.com:
- Don’t Skip Your Child’s Doctor Visits This Year
- To Help Fight Coronavirus, Get a Flu Shot
- Where to Find a Coronavirus Test in Michigan
Photo credit: JohnnyGreig
