Watch our Films
Tips for Returning to School
Dr Jess Richardson, principal clinical psychologist, gives suggestions to parents and teachers to deal with children’s anxiety. Read and download our fact sheet, view more information for teachers or sign up to receive our newsletters and a free interactive guide to the website.
Read and download our fact sheets, watch more videos or sign up for our mailing list and free interactive guide.
Children’s Voices: Coronavirus
As the nation begins a gradual return to life outside the home in a changed world, understanding children’s thoughts and feelings will be important in helping them adjust.
We have asked a group of children about their experience of lockdown, and how they view a return to school.
Read and download our fact sheets, watch more videos or sign up for our mailing list and free interactive guide.
Further information:
During the pandemic, anxiety has risen due to uncertainty, and pre-existing mental health conditions have been exacerbated. For some children or young people, it may have been a very welcome break from school which can be very stressful for young people who experience bullying or are misunderstood. For others, it has been a painful period of not seeing family and friends, and even experiencing grief.
No matter what your family have experienced over lockdown, it is crucial to communicate and check up on your child. They may be seeing some very worrying misinformation in the media, which is exacerbating fear and anxiety. In this case, calmly explain what is going on and present your child with the facts. Be aware of how you model your own anxiety when speaking to your child about the pandemic – speak to your child when you feel calm yourself.
It may have been a difficult transition for children returning to school. Make sure you and your child have a defined routine before and after school to help them feel more adjusted and safer, and to bring them back on track in their learning.
Remember, a child feels the stress and worry you give off, and that will reflect in their own behaviour. Look after yourself and check in with yourself to set a good example for your child.
