As a new school year approaches, you and your children may still be facing uncertainty from the pandemic, specifically from the threat of the Delta variant,

Thoughts of your children's physical health and safety are top of mind, along with germ transmission and mask-wearing, as well as how to prepare kids socially and emotionally for a return to in-person learning.

After spending more time at home, young children and parents may have anxious feelings about being apart when school resumes.

Separation anxiety is normal, for both a parent and child but experts say it may become more acute this fall as children return to child care and school after a less than normal 2020 school year.

Not every parent has access to a school counselor or psychologist to address their concerns or their child's pre-school jitters.

So we have researched what some of the experts say about how to prep your kids for returning to the classroom.

Here are some suggestions about making the return to school less stressful and more fun.

  • 1

    Practice Separating

    Practice separating by spending time in different rooms doing different activities. Tell them you will be back but there are things you each need to do.

  • 2

    New Routines

    Talk excitedly about their new routines, expressing interest in them.

  • 3

    Drop Off At School

    Keep in mind a drop-off at school can include a hug and a kiss, but keep it short and positive.

  • 4

    Establish Schedules

    Spend the week before school re-establishing bedtime schedules and routines

  • 5

    Communication

    Get to know your child's teachers and establish regular communication with them

  • 6

    Academic Imperfection

    Be ok with academic imperfection, this past school year was less than perfect and it may take time for your child to catch up.

  • 7

    Show Support

    Show support and understanding, let your child know you are there for them.

  • 8

    Prepare for Challenges

    Be prepared for some challenges. Your child while getting reacquainted with friends may experience families that have a different concept of safety, talk with them so they understand these differences.

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