With a return to school, college or university, there will inevitably be a certain amount of anxiety and, inevitably, with anxiety comes uncertainty. We have experienced uncertain times over the last eighteen months and our children have experienced these too. We don’t know what’s going to happen in the coming months and so are moving forwards into another period of uncertainty.
So what can we do to support our children on their return to school? First of all, it’s important to focus on the positive and encourage your child to think about the good aspects of returning to school; meeting up with friends they may not have seen for a while, getting back to after school clubs etc. Use the ‘Flip It’ method; by turning what might be a negative into a positive. Teach your children to do this. It’s important to remember that the pandemic has affected people in so many different ways; financially, socially, emotionally. We don’t know how this has impacted upon the people we come into contact with on a daily basis and so it’s important to be mindful of this and treat people with kindness. Equally important to take care of yourself.
At the Natural Health Centre, we are here to help and support you through times of uncertainty when you feel you are struggling. Two clients have said to us recently, when we have been discussing maintenance, that they would seek support sooner if they felt themselves finding it difficult to cope again. So, if you are feeling anxious, that things are getting out of control or you have issues to resolve, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The Mental Health Foundation offer a wealth of information regarding the challenges facing schools and pupils returning to school as well as tips for teachers, parents, and caregivers.