Dear CDA Families,
School, work, and our lives, in general, have looked very different this last year. Being around family, friends, and other community members may come with some nervousness and perhaps anxiety. If this is you, maybe you have asked yourself, “What can I do to get and feel ready for this upcoming school year?”
The anxiety we all feel is not surprising, given the circumstances we have lived through this past year.
By being proactive and planning ahead we can successfully prep for a new school year. Here are some tips and ideas you can implement:
Get yourself and Your Family Back into a Routine
Routines give us predictability and structure, this is especially helpful in times of uncertainty. Even before COVID-19, routines were essential in helping students excel. They are even more important now.
Stay Flexible
This can be a lot easier said than done, but it can be done! Keep in mind that we are possibly all feeling the same unease. We are all learning and working very hard to keep adapting and being creative to stay safe and supportive of each other. Even if things continue to change quickly, a mindset that is flexible can become your greatest strength.
Practice Good Hygiene Habits
Now is the time to establish strong hygienic habits that will become second nature by the time school starts. While our schools and childcare providers will have great school safety and sanitation protocols in place, we all have to do our part by practicing at home first.
Check-In With Your Children
If you are feeling anxious, it’s likely that your children are too. Open up a dialogue where they are able to feel safe and supported in expressing what is causing their worry or anxiety about the upcoming school year. Conversations like this can help you collaborate with them in finding new ways to develop coping skills and strategies in overcoming fears and anxieties.
We hope that these tips will help you tackle our new normal. A good beginning makes a big difference. Begin this academic year with new hopes and a positive mindset to make it a brighter chapter in your life. We wish you the best of luck, good grades, new memories, and positive social connections!
Additional Resources
School Settings | COVID-19 | CDC
Most early childhood education and child care programs serve children under the age of 12 who are not yet eligible for the vaccination at this time. This guidance highlights COVID-19 prevention strategies to protect children and adults who are not fully vaccinated.
Back-to-School Anxiety During COVID | Child Mind Institute
How to help kids handle fears and gain independence.
12 Fun First Week of School Traditions | Parents
Tackling back to school anxiety (beyondblue.org.au)
Here are some strategies and tips to make the transition back to school a positive experience.
How to Create a Successful Morning Routine for School (verywellfamily.com)
Returning to school after Covid-19 pandemic: How to mentally prepare your kids – CNN
Prepare your kids mentally for the transition back to school.
How To Set A Back To School Sleep Schedule | Sleep.org
Back to School Bedtimes.
How you can help children prepare to go back to school (northernvirginiamag.com)
The Most Genius Back-to-School Organization Ideas for Parents (whatmomslove.com)
Sanity-saving back-to-school organization ideas for parents.
Upcoming Workshops
For a list of upcoming workshops and events, visit our Workshops page!
Family Resources Team
For individualized assistance with resources or referrals during COVID-19 closure, please contact our Family Resources Team via the contact form on our workshops page:
