New Rules for In-Person Learning.

• Position: SCHOOLS

"After being told they cant go to school because of the dangers of the pandemic, children are now being told they will be going back, even though COVID-19 is still a threat. Naturally, many of them are going to be confused and anxious," says Michele Nealon, president of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. "There are things parents can do to help them cope and set them up for success."

Take stock of your feelings. Children take their cues from parents. If you are feeling nervous, take steps to alleviate your fears: talk to the school system about their plans for a safe opening; cut back on following the news if it makes you anxious; and think about the benefits going back to school will have for your child.

Address your children's feelings. Let them know that it is okay to feel what they are feeling, and answer their questions. Stress that everyone wants to keep them safe. Provide them with useful information, clearly communicating what in-person schooling will be like, the plans the school has in place to keep them safe, and what will be expected of them.

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