1. How to help your child feel at ease when they are frightened to go back to school.
Have an open conversation with your child about what is worrying them and why they feel anxious. Reassure your child that it is safe to go to school.
We know that many parents had conversations with their children about the importance of learning from home to keep them healthy and safe. Some children may now worry about the safety of returning to school.
To help your child feel safe, have a conversation with them explaining that:
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the decision to return to school is based on medical advice
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children do not usually get sick from COVID-19
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everyone at school is working hard to make sure that children are safe
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anyone who is unwell will stay at home
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the government is keeping an eye on things – if it starts to be unsafe, decisions about what to do will be made
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reassure your child that it is normal to have mixed emotions such as excitement, relief, worry and anger
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discuss what they are looking forward to and what they are worrying about
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reinforce good hygiene practices.