By Marian Golan
Passaic County CASA Advocacy Supervisor

Everyone—give yourselves a pat on the back for making it through a difficult school year as you guided your child through virtual and hybrid classes! Whether you are a CASA Advocate, a resource parent, a caseworker, a grandparent/relative, or a biological parent, you played a critical role in ensuring our children made it through last year.

As students return for in-person classes, the transition to back-to-school may present with issues that are beyond the usual September challenges

Here are some old standby tips—as refreshers to all of us— as well as tips for COVID-19 procedures.

Listen to your children and acknowledge their feelings about returning to school.

For example, if a child says, “The kids won’t play with me,” you can let them know you understand. You might say something like, “It sounds like you’re worried that you’ll be all alone. I understand. I remember when…” and give an example from your childhood. You might encourage your child to problem-solve, e.g., “What can you do that might make you feel better about that?” “How might your teacher help out?”

For younger students: Preview with them what the first day of school might look like. “I’ll walk you to the back door of the building where others will be lined up. When we see your teacher, I’ll say ‘bye’ and then pick you up at the end of the day. The teacher will tell you where to sit. You’ll have your lunch with you and eat in the classroom.”

For older students (and younger ones as well): Signal your confidence in their independence and in their ability to make good choices. For example, “You must feel good that you’ll be going to the bus stop by yourself this year,” or “I know that you’ll use your good judgment with whom you’ll walk home from school today.”

Returning to school with COVID-19 precautions in mind

It might be harder to get everyone out the door in those first weeks, so…

If practical, visit the school with your child before school is in session, even if it’s just a drive-by.
Talk to your children about the feelings they may have about returning to school—using the listen and acknowledge strategy. Be positive.
Let your child know that mask-wearing may be required for students/staff during the school day. Wear masks around the house to help your children become comfortable with them. Make it fun.
Set up an ongoing communication system with your child’s teachers and school counselors. Faculty welcomes connections with caregivers and support adults like caseworkers and CASA, starting perhaps with an email after the first week of school to introduce yourself and to set up periodic check-ins.

Remember—as a caregiver you need to take care of yourself! Be mindful of your own needs for healthy food, adequate sleep, exercise, and socialization. Reach out to others for support.

Through active listening, open communication, and confidence building, we can make this a great school year for all of our children.