Son scared and crying over going back

[Raindancer411]

Hi all

Are anyone else's little ones scared and crying over going back to school, and how are you addressing this?

I have explained he needs to ensure he washes his hands well, keep his distance as best he can and not touch his face. Also that his school is staggering starts and finish times, but that is all I can say to try and reassure him.

We have a baby who was only born in May and he is also scared of bringing it back to her.

Any advice please?

@SomewhereEast Another thing I had not thought off. Yes of course we have been talking between us about those kind of things, but we have only told him he needs to be gentle with her and not hang on her hands. She has recently had her first set of jabs and he asked what those were for and we explained they don't have much immunity to some childhood diseases and it was to protect her.

@Bagelsandbrie No defiantly virus related as he said he was scared about getting it, bringing it home to baby and how can he touch taps to wash his hands when others have used it etc. I feel for you x

I’d definitely go to the meet up and arrange to see friends. Two of mine didn’t want to but I engineered it and it really helped.

@GreyishDays Yes that was what I was thinking and we have another one of his friends over next week.

@DownWhichOfLate

Yes, how old is he? Children usually follow our lead about these things.

Yes the lead that society is giving him. He's seen one way routes and masks, he puts masks on to go shopping, he's not allowed to hug grandparents, lots of his activities have been closed. So don't make some PA comment that it's the Ops fault. Of course it's going to be hard for the kids, they are being told that there is no SD in school but there is when out of it, it's a massive thing for them.

[quote Raindancer411]@GreyishDays Yes that was what I was thinking and we have another one of his friends over next week. [/quote]
I’m sure that will get him excited about going back then.

@Morfin Thanks for having my back 🥰 Yes it's not me that's been so much as feeding the fear but the seeing how we are currently living. He knew I wasn't allowed people to come in to visit at hospital, that I had to isolate when pregnant, that I now have to wear masks when going in shops as well as all what you have stated. Thank you for making me feel like its less my doing x

@GreyishDays Fingers are crossed lol He loves seeing his friend who was over the other day.

My teen is worried too. Mainly because he knows some of his classmates will behave like idiots. They are allowed to wear masks though which has helped.

Why is he so scared has he picked up on your fears presumably?

I've told my kids they have nothing to worry about but to keep washing hands etc I don't want them worrying

This is a shame. My oldest son is 7 and he was very anxious at first because he was hearing things at school from his friends and the whole corona tag thing. I also had a baby in may and he was very worried about me going into hospital. He had calmed down loads. We never have the news on or talk about it. He prefers to wear a mask when we go into shops and that is fine. We have met up with some school friends and he plays in the street with his friends. The other day he came in and asked for hand sanitiser because him and his friend had swapped scooters. I didn't know whether to be pleased or cry that it even crossed his mind. I feel very guilty as I was extremely anxious before I bad the baby and have obviously passed some of this on. He is excited to go back to school though. We had to have a chat about how it is unlikely he will be able to have his nerf gun party in october and he got really upset. I feel so sorry for them.

@Jrobhatch29 It's nice to read your post and know I am not alone in this. I was probably the same whilst pregnant but like you haven't had the news. Discussions have been kept to a low and I have explained it's low. We have only known it affecting people they are people of people we know type scenarios.

@Remmy123 I have tried not to make a big thing about it but he was aware whilst pregnant I had to shield but I didn't think I made a big thing of it. It's since we are going out he had seen me use hand sanitiser and wear a mask into shops (while he, hubby and baby wait outside)

It's shocking that small children have been unnecessarily terrified by this. Only ONE child in the UK without previous (known) terminal illness has died - utterly ridiculous that they have been frightened by this.
Irresponsible parents are utterly failing to protect their children from something vastly more dangerous that 'the virus'

@lifeafter50

It's shocking that small children have been unnecessarily terrified by this. Only ONE child in the UK without previous (known) terminal illness has died - utterly ridiculous that they have been frightened by this. Irresponsible parents are utterly failing to protect their children from something vastly more dangerous that 'the virus'

You are something else. How the fuck would a child not be exposed to the repercussions of this virus regardless of what the parents are saying. Even if you are a parent who believes it's only 'flu little Johnny is still going to be bewildered that he's not allowed to go to school or play in the park or go to beavers. He's not allowed into other people's houses and when he goes shopping all other people are wearing a mask. In the Op case he wouldn't have been allowed into hospital to meet his baby sibling. The arrogance to blame a parent because a child is anxious is mind blowing.

It’s nice to see lifeafter50* is branching out from calling teachers lazy and feckless, to now labeling parents as irresponsible when their children notice that the whole world around them has changed.

*unpredictably shit

Op, you’re not irresponsible in any way, and I’m so sorry your ds is feeling like this. I’m a teacher, and if it’s any help, I know me and my colleagues are going to be making school feel as safe and cheerful as possible for the students. Hopefully when he starts back, he’ll feel more comfortable (I know that’s no help for this nervous bit before they go back though )

Our school have said they will be focusing a lot on well-being in the initial few weeks. Some children have had 6 months away its been a huge upheaval for them they are bound to have some worries about going back even if those worries aren't covid related.

Lifeafter50 has some serious issues judging by the inflammatory babble she posts on many threads.

I appreciate all these posts. He seems ok so far today and hasn't mentioned it any more (even though I am having to sort his uniform out)

@Morfin spot on ❤️

My daughters are 6 and 11. I havent said anything at all to them about not touching their face/keeping away/washing their hands! This will all add to his anxiety because he will worry if he does touch his face. Its far too much pressure for him. We talk about all the fun things they will be doing, their best friends, playtimes etc - let school work out the logistics and making sure he washes his hands. It sounds to me like youre very anxious and have totally put this onto him. But there are a few weeks - really be positive!

It sounds as if it will do him the world of good to be back at school. Lots of changes in his life with a new baby on the scene.

If he comes home from school, changes out of uniform and washed his hands, the risks of passing on the virus are minuscule.

My ds is 5 and isn't looking forward to going back. He's loved being at home with me and his sisters. I've been shielded so he worries about the virus and bringing it home. I'm anticipating a few tears and struggles at the gate the first week. I'm sure once they done a day or two they will be fine but it's the getting them there.

My DD is a generally quite anxious child and bedtimes are definitely the worst in terms of her getting upset.
Given the current situation unfortunately children have been exposed to unsettling messages and feel less safe. My DD is at high school and she's nervous about going back, which I fully expect will get worse the nearer it gets although she's looking forward to it too.
I'll be doing the same as you OP, reassuring her about the ways she will keep safe and being as positive as I can be whilst acknowledging her fears.

There's enough time before term starts (in England) to talk in a really positive way about school starting, and all the good things to look forward to. That's the best preparation you can give to your child at this stage.

Congratulations on your new baby too. Having a new baby is worrying, draining and exhausting. Having a baby in a pandemic during lockdown is a whole new level of anxiety lol. I have found it so stressful and lonely. My little boy found going from being with me every second from march to me going into hospital and leaving him so so hard. He kept saying he didnt want me and his dad to go. It is no wonder your little boy has been anxious. Having a new sibling and losing some attention in the middle of all this has been extra difficult for them. Hope he feels better soon xx