Back to the Classroom: A Game Plan for Reducing Anxiety

Back-to-school supplies were a bit different this year for 12-year-old Audrey Pan.

Along with a day planner, an array of pens and a thick notebook, Audrey added face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes

“I’m not sure how it’s going to completely work,” said Audrey of her middle school in Hacienda Heights, California. “How many kids are going to be in each classroom? Are we going to have a table where we sit together?”

Audrey, 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 only added to her anxiety.

Martin and Jasmine Schley of Toledo, Ohio also sent their children back to in-person school this year. Kingston (5) started Kindergarten, Kyleigh (8) entered the Third grade, and Kaeloni (11) is a Sixth grader. All three children are attending Toledo Public Schools (TPS) which has mandated wearing masks for all students and staff members, regardless of their vaccination status.

“As students prepare to return, they will be facing a host of intensified challenges,” said Anthious Boone, an elementary school principal in Pennsylvania. He cited mask-wearing and learning how to socialize again with peers as some of these challenges.

But parents can help prepare their children for what may be a tough transition.

The Schley Family has used various methods to help prepare their children for the transition of returning to school. Commenting on the practical training, Jasmine said, “We trained them while we were out to wear their masks, so when they did go back to school, it would not be such a hardship for them to wear their masks. We went over using hand sanitizer and when using it was appropriate. We also reviewed when they should wash their hands.”

To assist Kaeloni, Kyleigh, and Kingston with back-to-school anxieties such as peer pressure and bullying, the family turned to the www.jw.org whiteboard animation videos. “We would choose videos to watch as a family that were connected with school [such as], ‘How to Beat a Bully Without Using Your Fist’ and ‘How to Stand Up to Peer Pressure.’ We would get the kids thoughts on the video and had some really good interaction from them,” Martin said.

Kyleigh remarked, “The videos could come in handy; because if I got bullied, I might be nervous to speak up. But the video helped me know that I should tell my parents.” Kaeloni liked the video ‘How Can I Talk to My Parents.’ “I liked that video; because if I have a problem, I will try to deal with it on my own or just keep it inside. When I watched that video, it helped me open up and tell my parents what is going on, what my problem is, or what I need help with,” she admitted.

“As parents endeavor to help their children cope with potential back-to-school anxiety,” Boone said, “it is absolutely imperative that they stay well-connected with both the school and their children.”

Audrey’s parents, John and Michelle Pan, freely email teachers with questions and regularly talk with Audrey about her day. They also designate every Saturday afternoon as family time. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, they look for practical Bible-based advice to help with any issues or concerns.

“We review how to display Christian qualities such as love and patience and have role-playing sessions to listen to how Audrey would react to stressful or dangerous situations,” said John. “This has helped Audrey feel confident about returning to school.”

While coronavirus variants have stoked pandemic anxieties, the Pans have endeavored not to overlook other challenges their daughter may face.

One of their favorite resources is jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses that is free to all. Topics like “What’s a Real Friend?” and “Beat a Bully Without Using Your Fists” are addressed there in a video series for young people that Audrey recommends to everyone.

“The website has some really cool information that has helped me prepare for back to school,” she said. “I think it can really benefit any student who is nervous about going back. They should really check it out!”

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