Delta Variant and the Return to School

August 19, 2021 Elsa Orlandini

A few months ago, many parents were looking forward to sending back their children to school after over a year of virtual school and strict policies regarding COVID-19. With the vaccination rollout, the nation as a whole seemed more positive and could not wait for the end of this pandemic. However, as teachers and students are preparing to return to school, concerns related to the COVID-19 Delta variant are increasing. There are concerns about children getting sick while hospitalization rates for children have increased. As a result, parents and school teachers have asked school districts to reconsider or tighten certain policies that have been put in place for the return to school.

Delta Variant and the Return to School

Many parents are attempting to keep their children safe and healthy while helping them adjust back to the school environment. Parents have voiced that they would like their children to feel a sense of normalcy again after a difficult year, but admit to feeling anxious themselves. The following are some tips to help you navigate the new school year:

Get involved. As a parent, it is important to be involved in your child’s school. Currently, many schools are meeting with parents and teachers in order to clarify and make needed changes to policies. Having a voice at your child’s school, may provide reassurance and may make a difference in your child’s experience this school year.

Build a support network. Getting to know other parents at your child’s school can help in increasing your support system. Your children will be spending most of their days with their peers; therefore, getting to know and communicating with other parents will strengthen the sense of community at your child’s school.

Have open conversations with your child. Being open with your child will help your child open up about any fears or worries that may be facing. As a family, you may want to develop healthy habits that will help you and your family stay safe and healthy. These healthy habits may include washing hands frequently, eating nutritious foods, exercising, and wearing masks when in large crowds.

Remember that you model behaviors for your child. Engaging in safe and healthy behaviors in and out of the home will help set a good example for your child. Your children are more likely to be consistent when they are encouraged to practice healthy behaviors in all areas of their lives. Seeing your child take certain precautions during this difficult time, will provide you with much needed reassurance that your child is doing the best they can to stay safe when you are not around.

If you are facing anxiety and worries about your children returning to school, meeting with a psychologist can be helpful. Psychotherapy services can provide you with a safe therapeutic environment to process your concerns and help you build effective coping mechanisms. Psychologists at Miami Psychology Group are currently accepting patients for individual, couples, and family therapy.