UAE Return to School: 18 Things you can do now to prepare your child for school during the pandemic

After such a long time at home with the family, it is inevitable that children may need some help adjusting to this New Normal. Here are some practical things you can start doing with your child now, in order to make the transition back to school as smooth as possible.

Dr Rajendra M. Joshi, specialist pediatrician at Prime Medical, advises using washable, reusable masks with children’s names embroidered on them so they don’t get mixed up, and packing spares in case they get dirty. “If good quality reusable masks are used then there’s no need to discard them. One mask can be used for six to eight hours,” says Dr Joshi.

Use simple words to explain why people are wearing masks, answer any questions they may have patiently and make sure that they know that the guidelines state they can take the masks off when eating or during intense physical activity. In these instances they can wear a face shield instead, adds Dr Atteya.

Teach children that once the mask is on that they need to try not to touch it or touch their face, and the mask should only be taken on and off using the elastic ear straps, as the outside of the masks may be contaminated. To encourage young children to get used to a mask you could try putting one on their favourite stuffed animal, or drawing pictures of their favourite characters wearing masks.

“Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system (which controls reactions to stress), and distracts from anxious thoughts. Taking deep, deliberate breaths can calm a person physically and mentally, increasing the body’s oxygen levels, which can have a calming effect,” says Dr Atteya. “There are many different types of breathing exercises that can encourage kids to take deep breaths. Examples of breathing exercises for kids include feather breathing, balloon breathing, bubble breathing or counting breaths.”

“We are already seeing lots of children coming with non-specific complaints like stomach pains, tics, speech issues, phobias etc,” says Dr Joshi. “Parents should explain that physical distancing is going to be the norm for all of us for many months to come, and possibly plan a visit to a healthcare professional before schools resumes if they are worried.”

Parents can help kids continue to socially develop in spite of physical distance by providing chances for interactive play such as board games with family members; Encouraging exercise every day, which will help your child keep their equilibrium in these uncertain times; and taking advantage of social media and video apps for your kids to contact their friends or family members.

A supervisor in the toilet can ensure there is a 10-minute gap between washroom stall uses, says Dr Joshi, while Dr Michael Atteya of Medcare recommends that parents start talking to ther children about washroom precautions, advising them to stick to the number allowed in the washroom; not to remove their mask in the washroom, not to touch their face, wash hands with dsoap for at least 20 seconds, use paper towel to open and close the door, not to touch any surfaces and use paper towels to dry their hands.

Parents can start teaching children to Hand wash before eating, discourage any food sharing, encourage use of sanitized water bottles instead of water dispensers at school, and potentially using a face shield during meal breaks, when masks need to be temporarily removed.

Buying new school pencil cases, stationery and lunchboxes with their name clearly embroidered or labelled can help them get used to the idea and build excitement rather than trepidation.

“Please make sure that they have completed their immunization including boosters as we do not want an outbreak of other infections n kids who have missed their vaccinations.”

Calcium and vitamin supplements may also be given if needed and regular exercise will also help build the immune system,

Routine provides structure and stability during time of uncertainty so help your child return to their normal sleep routine in the weeks before school starts again.

Reassure them they are safe and praise them frequently.

Encourage kids to look at the positives - it might be helpful to talk about things the child is looking forward to, like their favorite shop reopening, or seeing friends in the park.

When they go back to school make sure that they have a small bottle of hand sanitizer and teach them how to use it, teach them in simple words not to be so close to their friends.

“For example, following the rules, washing hands (demonstrate it and make it fun for young children), coughing/sneezing into their elbow and wearing their mask,” says Hedger. “This is most effective when you also share why these things are important.”

“It is therefore important that adults manage their own emotions well, remain calm, listen to children’s concerns, and speak kindly and reassure them, whatever their anxieties.”