Nervous about a new school year? Here are tips to help parents and kids handle stress

The onset of a new school year is always a mixture of excitement, dread and first-day jitters.

But this time is unlike any other. COVID-19 means children must prep for an education that is literally changing day by day.

Parents and guardians may feel unsure how best to address their youngsters’ concerns during the coronavirus pandemic.

Here are suggestions to help everyone get off to the best possible start.

For parents and guardians of children returning to the classroom:

Explain the situation. Using age-appropriate language, tell children that their teachers and principals are figuring out how to instruct kids during the pandemic. It’s OK to admit that no one has all the answers. And the virus has us in a state of continual flux. Still, everyone wants the same outcome — keeping youngsters safe and helping them learn.

Prepare kids as best you can. Practice wearing masks at home. Discuss new policies, such as checking kids’ temperatures daily before entering school and holding classes outdoors whenever possible. Empathize with children’s dislikes and frustrations, reminding them that everyone is struggling with the changes.

Emphasize flexibility. Even as students are adapting, their situations could flip-flop in a blink. Doing their best in an unstable environment is all anyone can ask.

Create stability wherever possible. While educational plans are evolving, other parts of the day are normal. You can feed pets on the same schedule and keep bedtime rituals constant. Expect compliance with household chores.

Be reassuring. Make it clear that everyone wants youngsters to avoid catching the virus, whether they’re riding on the bus, playing at recess or eating lunch at their desks. Remind them that measures are being taken to protect them. Should they feel that they are at risk, they can share those fears with an adult.

Exude optimism. Children take cues from their folks. When adults are upbeat and rosy, kids’ moods will follow suit. Even if you’re dubious about school re-opening, keep those worries to yourself.

Manage stress. It’s impossible to minimize kids’ anxieties if your own stress levels are sky high. Keep the current problems in perspective, recognizing that past generations have overcome horrific obstacles. Practice routine self-care such as jogging, deep breathing and long bike rides.

Avoid obsessing about the negatives. Instead focus on soothing thoughts. Find laughter and joy wherever possible. The virus shows no signs of abating; we have no choice but to persevere.

For parents of children whose schools remain closed and who will be learning from home:

Collaborate with your youngsters’ teachers. They’ll be your personal gurus when it comes to activities and expectations. They’ll also direct the curriculum that you and your child will follow. Now, more than ever, you are teammates in this ever-evolving process.

Establish a routine. Instruct and take breaks at roughly the same time. If possible, engage in subjects when children would be taught at school. This fosters internal regulation while facilitating the re-entry process when schools finally open.

Create a learning environment. Find a spot in your home that minimizes distractions and signals to your student that it’s time to get to work. For younger children, make the location easily accessible so you can keep an eye on their progress and be available to help as needed.

Determine what works best. Are there certain components of distance learning that work well for your youngster? Your observations are extra helpful as both you and the teachers construct the optimum learning experience.

Make physical activity a priority. Take breaks often. Schedule time for exercise, exploration and play. Consider raising computers and tablets on platforms so kids can stand up while they work.

Reward learners often. Stickers, praise, stars and positive feedback ensure everyone’s feeling motivated to learn.