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Preparing for back to school in 'new normal': making kids feel in control of change

KitchenCops
Posted at 6:22 AM, Jul 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-28 12:41:33-04

TUCSON, Ariz. — Many parents are trying to decided on whether or not to have their child return to the classroom or do remote learning.

Family Therapist Jodi Aman said it's about empowering parents to feel a sense of control over the situation. When it feels like there is no choice, she said we always have the power to make one.

"We are highly adaptable," Aman said. "We can figure this out. If it’s something you really don’t want to do, like send your kid back to school then we could adapt and try to find a work around"

She said it is important to allow your child to have a voice in the decision because many of them may not understand the reality of the new normal at school.

"We really want them to focus on what they have control over, because that is actually much greater, it is much more important to happiness in life," Aman said.

She said when a child loses control, it can cause behavior issues like bullying. That's why, she said, it is the job of the parents and teachers to check on the students through this time.

"Even if they go back to school, there is still less of that stimulation that they were having before," Aman said. "Kids need a routine, but they need some novelty, and they need a sense of purpose, like some project, some goal that you’re working towards together."

Related: https://www.kgun9.com/news/education/some-southern-arizona-teachers-say-its-too-soon-to-return-to-the-classroom

https://www.kgun9.com/news/education/hoffman-schools-should-reopen-based-on-metrics-not-dates