Promoting Resilient Families During COVID-19 and Return to Learning
For children, “back to school” preparations include picking out new backpacks and school supplies as well as excitement about meeting their new teachers for the first time. But as we continue to navigate life amid the COVID-19 pandemic, children and families across the state of Illinois and around the country prepare to return to learning in ways no one ever has before. As caregivers-turned-educators, you are now tasked with meeting new needs, in addition to usual daily parenting responsibilities.
We cannot address COVID-19 and the return to learning without acknowledging that certain communities have been and continue to be disproportionately impacted. Black, Indigenous, and Brown people have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, and through historical and present circumstances of racism. The egregiousness of these outcomes has people looking for answers and ways to mitigate harm, and we recognize that learning conditions and resources are not equitable for all children in our communities.
For those families navigating the return to learning for their child with special needs or medical conditions, we encourage parents and caregivers to advocate for and develop plans that are feasible and meet the individual academic and social-emotional needs of their child. While each family must make the decisions that are right for their situation, we encourage everyone to treat each other with grace as they continue to navigate their own risks and priorities.
The Center for Childhood Resilience (CCR) team shares ideas below for parents, caregivers and educators that can be helpful as we all cope with the changing information, recommendations and limitations to our normal routines and activities.
Communicate.
Returning to learning during this COVID-19 pandemic can be stressful and confusing for kids. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in helping limit their child’s exposure to information that can be scary and overwhelming. Children are watching and listening to the adults around them; a calm adult is a helpful adult! Parents and caregivers should ask their child what they are thinking and how they are feeling before jumping in to provide more information than they may need. Find ways to communicate honest information in a way that meets your child’s needs and developmental level.
Schedule.
Whether a child is returning to learning inside of their school or in their home, it is important to find ways to create structure and routine for this “new normal.” While it’s not necessary to create a rigid or elaborate schedule, maintaining routine and as much normalcy as possible is helpful for children and adults alike. Involving children in the creation of a new daily routine may help increase their sense of control in an uncertain situation. Think of ways you can create moments of calm. Maybe for you, waking up early and allowing yourself time alone with a cup of tea or coffee is a way to savor quiet moments before the day begins.
Assess.
Assess your child’s mental health. Collectively, adults and children are experiencing some level of sadness and worry. For all of us, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected important social milestones and activities. The risks associated with the pandemic and the ever changing restrictions may lead to anxiety and depression for adults and children alike. For families affected by loss or illness of a loved one due to COVID-19, grief and worry may be interfering with the ability to engage in learning and work. Because we are all experiencing varying levels of distress, we need to take care of our emotional health in more ways than ever.
The challenge for parents and caregivers is recognizing when your child’s emotional distress rises to the level of concern. When overall emotional stress is elevated, recognizing concerning behaviors can be challenging. Remember, you know your child best.
Here are some things to look for:
Significant changes in sleeping and eating
Persistent physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches without known physical cause
Increased tearfulness or emotional outbursts
Emergence of new fears
Withdrawal from activities that are still available
Risky behaviors like smoking, vaping, drinking, as well as concerning online behavior
Resistance to following guidelines your family has established for safety
Preoccupation with the news
Seek Guidance
As you take note of possible changes in your child’s behavior, it is important to remember you are not alone. Your pediatrician, child’s teachers and school mental health professionals like social workers, counselors, or psychologists are all people with whom you can connect with to advocate for your child’s needs.
COVID-19 CALL CENTER
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital offers a COVID-19 Call Center at 312.227.5300. The Call Center is staffed by Lurie Children’s nurses and is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Social workers and child life specialists are available to help parents/caregivers with community referrals or coping resources.
Below are resources for parents, caregivers and other professionals that provide information we hope may be helpful.
Preparing K-12 School Administrators for a Safe Return to School in Fall 2020 (CDC)
How to Talk about COVID-19 Back to School Plans Without Tension (HuffPost)