Talk to a Foster Care Adviser: 01908 587666
Call: 01622 760 600
Call: 01908 587666
Supporting Back-To-School Anxiety
With the 1st day of school fast approaching we understand that your children and young people may have some fear and anxiety around returning to school after the Coronavirus 'lockdown'.
We had a chat with some of our Supervising Social Workers to find out their top tips of how to handle back to school jitters.
One idea which I have used in the past for children struggling at times to manage separation from carers and I think for some children this may become apparent when they return to school after such a long time off. The child and carer can cut out a heart shape from something, either paper or material and each keeps one throughout the day. The child is told whenever they feel they are missing home or missing the carer, they can hold the heart and know the carer will be holding theirs close. This doesn’t have to be a heart, it could be anything that the child relates to. The idea is the carer and child have a shared item so the child knows the carer will miss them too but they can hold the heart and think of the other until its home time.
Another idea is to get a 'hope' or 'plan' jar and each time they think of something to do after school they can put the idea in a jar then each day they come home they get to pick out the jar."
Take a look below at some more of our top tips!
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Go through the routine of what will happen when you go back to school, maybe even physically do the journey etc to remind your child about school.
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Visualise going to school and discuss stories they have of their friends, fun activities they've experienced and memories of their teachers.
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Get things ready in advance like their uniform, shoes and bag.
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Reassure them that it is OK to feel nervous and worried - everyone does.
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Listen to the children- try to hear what they are worried about.
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Worry monster or a worry box- where they can write their worries and then put them in and forget them.
- If possible consider contacting the school to ask for a video call with the teachers.
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Check-in with them to see how they are feeling. Their emotions may change regularly and a calming, proactive conversation may help to ease them.
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Explain that there are things we can't control in life and the pandemic is one but we CAN control some things in the fight against the pandemic such as wearing a mask, washing your hands, practicing social distancing.
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Look at the positives!
Lastly, we want to acknowledge that is may also be a stressful time for you! Make sure you are taking steps to care for yourself and remember not to suffer in silence.
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Interested in Becoming a Foster Carer?
We're pleased that you would like to register your interest in fostering with Futures Group.
- Have a spare bedroom
- Are over 21 years of age (there is no upper age limit)
- Have experience of interacting with children or young people
We're always looking for foster carers from different cultural, religious and racial backgrounds, single people, couples (whether married or living together, with or without children). Together we can make a difference to children's lives.