After a year of virtual learning, kids will be stepping back on school campus this month with COVID-19 protocols in place — and the transition might be a tough one.
Ayra Jones is a San Luis Obispo mother of three. She’s also a working mom, and is elated that the start of the school year will not be virtual like it was last year.
“I’m very excited! I can’t wait," Jones said. "We all hated Zoom. I mean, it’s a great platform for doing what it needs to do, but it’s not the same.”
But Jones said she and her kids are a bit anxious of what in-person learning amid a pandemic will bring.
“It’s not over yet," Jones said. "We are still going to have to adjust as needed. Fingers crossed.”
To help parents in the transition, Sara Zepeda, Chair of the South County Youth Coalition, said the orgaization is partnering with the county to host free online workshops to provide strategies for parents.
“It’s not the responsibility as parents for us to fix things," Zepeda said. "It’s the responsibility as parents for us to really lean into that relationship with your kids and let them know you are walking with them through the challenge.”
Zepeda said tips on dealing with the emotional, academic and social transitions will be discussed. One of the pieces of advice she has is for parents to focus on their back to school traditions.
“So for some families, that might be taking first day of school pictures," Zepeda said. "For some families, that might be going back to school shopping, or eating a special meal after you survive that first day."
She said a lot of kids may not be willing to talk about their struggles, so focusing on communication will be key.
“It’s not about dismissing that this is going to be a challenge," Zepeda said. "It’s about embracing the fact that ‘yes, this is hard, but you can do hard things, and we can do this together.’”
The online workshops will be held Monday and Tuesday of next week. To register for the workshops, and to learn about other parenting workshops offered throughout the year, click here.
