AAP issues tips for going back to school during COVID-19 pandemic
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The AAP has provided tips for parents and their children, who are returning to school this month — whether the format is in person or online.
Including good nutrition, sleep and exercise, the AAP has provided options on how children and teens can develop or maintain healthy habits during the new school year.
Mary Ian McAteer, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Amwell, a telehealth platform, in Indianapolis and an AAP fellow, said a schedule should be made for virtual learning.
“Families and educators were expected to create this on a moment’s notice before, without preparing,” McAteer told Healio. “Take that experience to look at what worked and what didn’t work. Get the child’s input; they are very creative and can help orchestrate the best way for them to learn.”
However, a regular routine and structure can help children adjust to the new school year no matter the format, according to Natalie Muth, MD, MPH, RDN, CSSD, FAAP, FACSM, an AAP spokesperson.
“Family meals are a great way to add structure to your day, and we know that children eat healthier during shared family meals,” Muth said in a statement. “Now more than ever having a chance to talk and unwind over dinner can also help improve mental health and well-being for both children and adults.”
Muth, who is also the chair of the AAP section on obesity, said families should try to work in exercise breaks throughout the day — especially for children who are learning virtually for most of the day.
“Taking 5 to 10 minutes to play tag outside, dance, run up and down the stairs, or doing some quick movements with the help of a fitness app can really make a difference in children’s energy levels,” Muth said.
Here are some of the AAP’s tips:
- All children should be up to date on vaccinations. The AAP recommends annual influenza vaccinations for all children aged older than 6 months.
- Establish rules and expectations with a routine for each day. Keep bedtimes the same, whether learning takes place in school or at home. Limit device use to a half hour before bed.
- Talk with your child or teen and watch for any signs that they need additional mental health support. Call your pediatrician and school if you believe your child is struggling to adjust to the new system.
- Parents need to be on the lookout for any signs that the child is struggling academically or has learning difficulties.
- If learning virtually, provide the child with a quiet place for schoolwork with necessary materials — WIFI password, account logins, pencils, pens, paper and organizers.
- If attending school physically, provide the child with multiple cloth face coverings, and label them so they are not confused with another child’s. Practice putting on and taking off the mask without touching the cloth portion. Remind the child that they should wash their hands before and after putting on their mask.
- If your child is showing signs of sickness or symptoms of COVID-19, keep them home from school. Call your pediatrician to discuss the child’s symptoms.
- Help children take responsibility for their learning. “Becoming an independent learner takes much practice and developing good habits,” McAteer said. “If a parent becomes concerned about learning problems, school professionals are available, as well as pediatricians, for help.”
- Children with disabilities are especially vulnerable in the pandemic. Make an individualized plan with the child’s pediatrician and educators to keep the child engaged in learning.
- Have a conversation with your child’s teacher so that the educator can understand how your child is handling everything emotionally and academically.
“Children watch everything parents do and hear everything said,” McAteer said. “It is by your example that they thrive. It is OK to feel frustrated when overwhelmed with these worrisome events. Having a plan of action and continuously adapting that plan based on successes and failures creates a healthy environment for you and your family.”
Parents with children beginning the new school term in person should be prepared for the event of children returning home to learn virtually. An increase in COVID-19 cases potentially could send them home.
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