Neighbor News
Back to the Classroom: A Game Plan for Reducing Anxiety
How Middletown family helps their children deal with back-to-school anxieties.
Back-to-school preparation was a little bit different this year for Samuel and Monica, whose daughter Asia is starting high school in Newport, Rhode Island this fall.
Along with a day planner, an array of pens and a thick notebook, Asia added face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
“I feel a little bit nervous,” said Asia, about starting high school in Newport. “I don’t know anyone there, so it will be a new start.”
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Asia, 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.
“I have mixed emotions, said Monica.
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“Students are going to face a very challenging return to in-person learning,” said Brent Robitaille, a high school teacher in Rhode Island. He cited numerous challenges, including the need for students to learn to socialize with peers after a period of extended isolation.
But parents can help prepare their children for what may be a tough transition.
“Parents need to communicate freely with teachers,” Robitaille said, “empathize with the challenges their children face and help them ramp up the coping skills they will need.”
Samuel and Monica freely email teachers with questions and regularly talk with Asia about her day. They also designate every Tuesday evening after dinner as family time. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, they look for practical Bible-based advice to help with any issues or concerns. Family discussions have helped allay Asia’s fears about returning to in-person learning. “I’m not very worried,” she commented.
While coronavirus variants have stoked pandemic anxieties, Samuel and Monica 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 Asia recommends to everyone.
For more information, please contact Jehovah’s Witnesses United States at (718) 560-5600 or pid@jw.org.
