As Schools Reopens Parents Must Pay Attention to Children’s Mental Health

From Social Anxiety to Separation Anxiety, parents need to take care of children’s mental health as they go back to school.

The lockdown had brought up isolation and hence depression and anxiety in many children and adolescents equally. The reopening of schools may bring back some normalcy back and will help with the development of the kids.

Seeing more than four or five faces per day can expand your child’s horizons. It will be a different experience than seeing the faces online. Seeing each other in person will help them make friends in a better way; help in socialising.  However, there are also other risks the sudden change in life will bring about.

Experts agree that returning to school can also cause problems like social anxiety or trouble concentrating for long hours in the classroom. Especially for younger kids who have not gone to school yet, going to school can be a scary concept and they may struggle with the idea of mingling with other kids. This will result in social anxiety. Even for older kids; they have not physically interacted with their classmates for more than two years. And suddenly going back to school can seem like a difficult task.

Students also may display signs of separation anxiety. They have not been away from their parents any time in the past couple of years and suddenly going to school may bring out separation anxiety to them. Many students may even be reluctant to go to school to avoid going away from home. It would be the same as going to playschool for the first time for these kids. The schools must be cautious while making this transition smooth. These children may have seen their teachers or may know their names but that’s not enough for establishing a rapport.

Also, suddenly the kids are expected to pay attention to classes for a lot longer than that of online classes. This can prove to be difficult for them.

What parents and teachers must do in this situation is to be sensitive to the kids and be patient with them. Have open conversations with them about the necessity of going back to school and about socialising with others. Ask them whether they’ve been able to adjust to the new settings and connect with their peer group and whether they are able to concentrate on the new mode of learning.

Experts say that parents must stay vigilant about reluctance in children in going to school or reconnecting or avoidance of academic curriculum. Instead of forcing a course of action, it’s crucial to have more conversations to help them work through whatever may be causing that kind of resistance.

Rather than pushing your kids to do things, explain to them the need of going back to school. Parents may need to be there for their kids more than before. A little holding hands while dropping your kid off to school, a little treat for their efforts etc may bring a lot of change. Also, make them reassured that you are there for them with love and care. 

-Staff Reporter