A couple of years ago, I made a post about positive thoughts for the new school year. While that post may still be relevant each school year, the 2020-2021 school year is a bit different. Due to COVID-19, returning back to school brings different types of emotions other than wishing your child well. Now, the idea of returning back to school brings about anxiety, fear, hesitation, and worry. Gearing up for the new school year may have included school supplies, the first day of school outfit, and the obligatory picture. Now, the back to school normal is a bit unclear. As a believer in positive thought, I still believe we can insert some positivity with the new school year.
Be Flexible
With all of the uncertainty, it seems like the information and decisions around the start of school changes daily. This is understandable considering all the variables that come into play. My husband and I feel like our patience has been tested to the max over the past 4 months. The family routines and schedules we had 10 months ago don’t really work right now.
We’ve learned that having open communication with each other, our kids, and employers have been helpful. Although it’s impossible to predict the future, we’ve learned we just have to roll with it. Working remotely with little ones at home has made the work-life balance unstable, to say the least. One impromptu Zoom call can throw off our scheduled plan for the day.
Since we are in a district that will start the school year in a digital format, we will need to continue to keep the lines of communication open. Extending open lines of communication to teachers and administrators can be helpful to keep education top of mind. Now more than ever, it will be important to stay in communication with teachers and school staff members to get information on kid’s assignments, obtain teacher feedback, and to stay up to date on any new policies.
Be Kind
Every family is different so what works for you may not work for another family. We are all trying to manage the current situation as best we can, so it will help if we’re kind to each other through this. This means avoiding judging others for the decisions they make for their family.
Being kind also applies to you too mama! When you can, be kind to yourself by taking breaks when you need it. If you need to take a walk, relax in a warm bath, or indulge in a glass of wine, remember that you matter in all of this too. Accept that these are challenging times that can put you on an emotional roller coaster. If you need a break from the ride, take it.
Be Well
As a wellness advocate, I couldn’t resist mentioning the importance of staying well during this time. Diet and exercise are often thought of as the main components of being well. They are important, so remember to eat properly, get an adequate amount of sleep, and to stay active.
Mental and emotional wellness are equally important. If you notice the stresses are getting to you or your children, seek out help if needed. Lots of professionals have extended their services through telemedicine. Keep a close eye on smaller children who may not be able to fully verbalize increases to their stress level.
So when it comes to this new school year, keep a few things in mind.
- Be Flexible – Keep open lines of communication within your family, teachers, and employers to make sure education remains a priority for you and your children.
- Be Kind – Be kind and respectful to other parent’s decisions. Also, extend that kindness to yourself to make sure you are taking care of yourself.
- Be Well – Keep your family’s well being the main focus and seek out any additional help if needed.
Although you may not experience the typical kick off this school year as you may have had in prior years, you can establish a new back to school normal that works for you and your family!
