#6. Test for emotional or mental preparedness
Parents, I know you might be excited at the news of school resumption. You have practically been stuck at home for 6 months with these ‘cute bosses’ and you can’t wait to drop them off and get on with your lives.
May I request that you pause! Answer this question: have you prepared your child(ren) mentally for what’s ahead? Remember that the school is no longer what it used to be for him (especially for younger children).
At least, have a conversation prior to resumption. Preferably, start now. Ask questions like what he misses the most about school; what people he looks forward to seeing again; what he thinks may or may not have changed in the school; what he thinks he needs in the coming year; whether he even prefers to continue learning from home. You might be shocked what he’ll say. Whatever it is, consider it valuable information and take the necessary action.
More so, don’t let this be a one-off conversation. Talk about it more than once to know whether his position has changed. Where you need help or counsel, seek your school counsellor’s assistance (or from any other professional).
My #TwoCents
