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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 15 For these reasons, it is so important for all students, includ- ing your son, to get back into the classroom and get back to learning. Here are some tips: · First and foremost, check with his teachers and see how he is doing academically. You need a clear picture of how he is doing before addressing his reluctance to go to school. · Validate his feelings. Make sure that he knows that you understand how hard it must be to get back into the school routine after so long. Stay calm and try to stay positive without negating his feelings. · Walk the fine line between telling him that school is safe, and he doesn't need to be nervous about going back, but also making sure that he is wearing a mask and keeping his distance. This can be confusing to a child; school is safe, but not really? Again, reassure and validate his feelings. A pandemic is confusing to everyone! · Focus on things that he can control. Make sure his sleep routine is normal. He can help pack his lunch or pack his backpack. Allow him to pick out his outfit for the day. Small things can help him gain ownership of his anxiety. · After school, allow him time to debrief. Don't jump in with a million questions about his day, maybe go for a walk and give him the time to talk. Focus on the positives of the day. Tell him what you did while he was at school. · Work together to make a list of the things he loved about school pre-pandemic. Try to figure out ways to make those things true again. Did he love doing homework with a buddy after school? Make that happen again. Did he love group projects in science class? Together, write an email to the teacher and see if that can happen again. · If the battle to get him to school persists, consider having him speak to a therapist. A therapist may help him better understand what it is about school that is causing his anxiety/reluctance to go to school. Keep in mind that the world has changed. Things are not back to "normal" and may never be "normal" again. But being honest and open with your son about this will help him make the changes necessary to get back into a positive school rou- tine and hopefully his love of learning will return. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best! Ms. Lydia hope starts here. 540.373.3223 WWW.RAPPAHANNOCKAREACSB.ORG WORKING AT THE INTERSECTION OF HOPE AND HELP. RAPPAHANNOCK AREA COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD