Back to the classroom: A game plan for reducing anxiety

Back-to-school supplies were a bit different this year for students in Sussex County.

Along with day planners, an array of pens and a thick notebook, many are adding face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.

Will children remain in school all year, or will classrooms shut down again? How will students react if their peers don’t follow safety guidelines? These are some of the questions families like the Judsons from Frankford are asking.

“Our 6-year-old daughter, London, is entering first grade this year. It’ll be her first time attending school in person,” said her mother Lauren.

London and her older brother Julius, 17, are like many students who spent the last school year in a virtual classroom, interacting with other students and teachers only via a computer screen. Going back to in-person learning with potential restrictions only adds to the normal anxiety students feel at the start of a new school year.

Educators around the country agree. “As students prepare to return, they will be facing a host of intensified challenges,” said Anthious Boone, an elementary school principal in Pennsylvania. He cited mask-wearing and learning how to socialize again with peers as some of these challenges.

But parents can help prepare their children for what may be a tough transition.

“As parents endeavor to help their children cope with potential back-to-school anxiety, it is absolutely imperative that they stay well connected with both the school and their children,” said Boone.

Javaris and Lauren Judson strive to do just that by freely communicating with their children about their concerns. They also designate time each week to spend together as a family. “We like to find out what challenges our children are facing and discuss ways they can overcome them,” said Javaris.

As Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Judsons look for practical, Bible-based advice to help with any issues or concerns. They find it at jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Animated videos, such as “Virus Outbreaks - What You Can Do” are both educational and entertaining. “This video helped us remind our children about the importance of social distancing and hand-washing,” said Lauren.

While coronavirus variants have stoked pandemic anxieties, the Judsons have endeavored not to overlook other challenges their children may face.

Topics like “What’s a Real Friend?” and “Beat a Bully Without Using Your Fists” are addressed in a video series for young people that the Judsons recommend to everyone.

London and Julius also enjoy watching an animated series from jw.org that features two main characters who learn valuable lessons based on Bible principles.

“Whatever challenge or situation comes along, I know I can always find help on jw.org,” said Julius.

Tools at jw.org are free and available to all.