Although South Africans do not know when their children would go back to school again, play therapist, Ms Soleil Kruger, said it is important to prepare your child for when schools open again.
“Many of us have had the great opportunity to be with our children 24 hours a day for the past few weeks,” said Ms Kruger.
“We have had the opportunity to get to know them again, to play with them again and to laugh with them.
“They have seen a much more relaxed version of us.
“Yes, there has been tension regarding the Covid-19 virus, but somehow our children have made this crisis much more tolerable.”
Most children will not want to go back to school when the schools eventually open again, especially if school was not fun to them before the lock down.
Ms Kruger reckons for many of these children, it will feel like the first day of school again.
Despite this, some children can not wait to see their friends and teachers again.
Ms Kruger said South Africans need to prepare their children for the following:
– Everyone around them will be wearing masks. It will be strange to see that. Do not let it scare your children, it is a precaution to keep them safe.
– Some of the things at school might change a little. Break times, school times or extra curricular activities might look a little different, but before you know it, you will be used to a new routine.
– The teachers will do their best to teach you everything you need to know. The teachers will make sure you feel safe and they will not overwhelm you.
– People will be washing their hands more regularly and the school needs to be kept much cleaner, you will have to do your bit to help keep the school clean.
– The government and the schools are going to try and implement a plan, it seems like grade by grade will return to school. If this plan does not work, they might come up with a new plan. We have to trust that they have our best interest at heart.
– Tell your children you are sorry if you and others have had to stop some of their extra activities. Everybody are trying to get back onto their feet, as soon as things are settled, you can review which activities will resume. Tell your child you know it will make them feel sad, angry or even disappointed.
– Tell your children that you love them and you will miss them when they go back to school and that you will try to be so relaxed and a playful parent or caregiver even when the lock down is over.
– Tell your children they can tell you anything even if they are scared or happy and that you will always be there for them.
– Tell them you will not let them handle these issues by themselves.
Ms Kruger thanked every parent, caregiver and grandparent who have worked extremely hard, had kept sane when everything felt like it was falling apart, kept calm, and who have kept our children safe and happy during this time.
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