Back to the Classroom: A Game Plan for Reducing Anxiety

Back-to-school preparations were a little different for Lana and her brother Evan, from Hyde Park, Massachusetts. Extra masks were purchased, and in the case of Lana, a weekly COVID-19 test consent form was signed.

“I'm just kind of uncertain,” said Evan of his return to his sophomore year of high school.
Lana and Evan like many across the country spent the last school year in a virtual classroom interacting with other students and teachers only via a computer screen. Going back to in-person learning with potential restrictions has created unique challenges.

But parents can help prepare their children for what may be a tough transition. “Communication between parents and schools was extremely important before COVID-19,” said Nelson Monteiro, who has 29 years of teaching experience in Boston Public Schools, “but now with this added challenge it is even more important for them to be on the same page so that they can take the proper steps to protect themselves, their family, their classmates, and the community at large.”

Lana and Evan’s parents, Horace and Faye, regularly talk with their children to help them stay current with the ever-changing events of the pandemic in their area. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, they also look for practical Bible-based advice to help with any issues or concerns. While coronavirus variants have stoked pandemic anxieties, the parents have endeavored not to overlook other challenges their children may face. One of their favorite resources is jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses that is free to all. Topics for the whole family such as "How to Beat Pandemic Fatigue" and "How to Deal with Anxiety" are addressed there that the family recommends to everyone.

“All you want is the best for your children,” said Horace. “You want them to be safe. You want them to be protected.”

For more information, please contact Jehovah’s Witnesses United States at (718) 560-5600 or pid@jw.org.