Strategies for Handling the Stress of Back to School

Returning to school under typical circumstances can be stressful; but returning to school during COVID-19 has likely brought a new level of anxiety and concern to parents, grandparents, teachers, and students.  Whether your family is dealing with remote learning, in-person learning, or some combination, it’s fair to say that “school” doesn’t resemble anyone’s expectations. 

At a recent virtual event, parents of school-aged children and youth gathered with Fr. Gary and school social worker, Jen Jones, to discuss stressors related to the return to school during COVID-19, as well as strategies to address anxieties and other challenges facing students and parents this school year.

When discussing individual learning scenarios (hybrid classes, remote learning, or in-person school), participants identified feelings of helplessness, sadness, and a loss of normalcy for their children. Participants also discussed their anxieties over the potential for academic loss, social isolation, and the overall health/wellness facing their children. Larger, systemic issues were discussed, including the effect of remote learning on disadvantaged communities in our area.

Jen encouraged all participants to consider ways to help families and children in their own neighborhoods/church community. Ideas included coordinating carpool to school; offering to tutor children studying remotely at home; or simply providing space to have open discussions with children and youth about their experiences and their emotions related to school.

Additional, online resources were shared, including the following links:

GREATER GOOD: Help Students Process COVID-19 Emotions With This Lesson Plan

YALE Child Study Center: Back to School During COVID-19

Thanks to Jen Jones for facilitating this wonderful discussion! If you’re interested in participating in another discussion related to these issues, please contact Nora Earnest.

Your thoughts and suggestions are most welcome, as we all try to navigate this school year in a clam, informed, and faithful manner.