As some schools across the UK have begun to reopen in stages, this has opened up a whole new question for families. How will this be for our children? How will my child adjust to school after a month at home? In addition to re-adjusting to full-time learning, the emotional impact will also be great.

We spoke to NHS Clinical Psychologist Dr. Shreena Ghelani about how parents can help their children get their children ready to go back to school, whenever it may be. This is what she had to say:

PREPARE FOR
Before it's time for them to return, keep school in your children's mind - drive past the school if you can so they can see that it is still there.
Once they have a deadline, treat it like the beginning of the school year. Try to get ready in the morning, make sure the school uniform fits, practice packing your bags and walk to school.
For younger children, they may need to re-establish themselves - parents may need to enter the classroom and ensure that their child is built.
For teenagers - use the time while they are still at home to keep the friendship alive with video calls, etc. This helps to return to his peer group a little alien.

ONE STEP IN ONE
Even when school starts again, you may find that children are more tired than usual due to the increased demands and sensory stimulation they are put on. Gently ease them back into the routine and wait for them to start other activities (clubs and activities) in a few weeks.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS
Once there, you will feel less stressed if you know there will be bumps in the road.
Provide enough space and time in a new hiccup schedule so that you do not have to manage too many demands (ie group cooking dinners on hand, do not approve extra tasks or introduce flexible working hours)
Try to notice if you are worried about coming back to school in any way and if so, spend some time thinking about it and taking it out. If children address your concerns, they may experience anxiety as well.
MANAGER DUE TO ANXIETY
If you know your child may have trouble going back to school, try to develop a toolbox of things he or she can do when he or she is worried about school. This could include a song to sing to oneself, envision a quiet place, some confirmation cards, practice breathing techniques and know safe staff who can say it. You can make this box together and the child can take a few pieces with them to school.

TELL YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF CORONAVIRUS
Let the children know that other families are likely to be affected by the virus (whether it is key working parents or hardworking family members). Encourage your child to be patient and kind to other children. Talk to them about what they might still expect them to do - not hug friends, wash their hands often, do not share food or toys, and so on.

For all children with special educational needs, they may need adjustment for them. This could include a visit to the school while it is empty to get to know the space, a video call with the teacher or a milestone than other students - whatever is best for them.

Read more:https://education.report/blogs/back-to-school-after-lockdown-%E2%80%93-tips-from-an-nhs-psychologist/3479?utm_source=Media%207&utm_medium=Neethu