School in times of pandemic? We have 4 tips for you!

7 de October, 2020

In a year that seems to have started off on the wrong foot, we are faced with a return to school in times of pandemic. It’s done in an atypical way, but no less exciting.

Parents, children and young people… Everyone has been looking forward to the long-awaited reunion with teachers and classmates, and now that classes have started again, it’s normal to feel anxious and nervous, especially when there are new behaviors to adopt to ensure that everything goes smoothly! In a different school year, with a school in times of pandemic, we give you 4 tips to reassure the youngest and help them in this new school reality:

1. Practice the new routines at home!
   Changing habits and behaviors isn’t easy for anyone, so the more we practice our new routines, the better! We know it can be tiring to recap all the rules every day, but it’s important that you do it regularly with the younger ones. What’s more, it’s essential that you set an example! Make sure your child sees you wearing the mask correctly, observing safety distances, sanitizing hands and surfaces regularly and adopting small gestures that make a difference, such as coughing into your elbow.
2. School during the pandemic? Only with full equipment!
   Make sure your child is “outfitted” for the occasion. Disinfectant and a mask should always be in their backpack. Without them, going to school is out of the question: it’s like going to the beach and not wearing a bathing suit! Even so, it’s important that the little ones feel comfortable wearing their masks, so spend some time choosing the one that best suits the tastes of the learner at home. As the day progresses, it’s normal for the mask to become damp with perspiration, so it’s always a good idea to carry a replacement in your backpack, as well as a bottle of water, which is essential for staying hydrated throughout the day.
3. The pandemic: reassure the youngest
   If, as adults, we partly fear a return to normality, for the youngest it can be a real challenge. The truth is that, in addition to the typical anxiety of this period, there are also many fears when it comes to getting along with classmates and teachers! Having school in times of pandemic means that it’s even more important to reassure your child and let them know that they can trust the safety measures in place. On the other hand, make sure that they are aware that they also have a role to play, for example in following all the rules, even when a classmate is about to ignore them.
4. Be aware and report it!
   In a period of difficult adaptation, it is essential that you pay attention to your children’s emotional state. Sudden mood swings, states of increased irritation, nervousness or apathy may indicate that something isn’t right and that the youngsters aren’t managing all these changes. Always ask them how their day went, what’s new in class and how their classmates and teachers are doing. Basically, stay present and alert and, if you notice any strange behavior that continues over time, don’t hesitate to contact a psychology professional to accompany your child during this phase.

We know it’s not easy to manage anxiety and fears, especially when they’re not your own. When it comes to our children, we always want the best for them, so in this return to normality, trust in yourself, do your best and don’t forget: everything will be fine! Even if we have a school in times of pandemic, it’s important that it continues to mean something positive for the children and their parents. And don’t forget, you can always count on the help of Euroticket Education Solutions!

Starting from July 2023, Euroticket benefits have been renamed Edenred.