#WeAreTogether: Psychologists help parents prepare children to return to school

Children going back to school this week may need a confidence boost from their parents to help them cope, psychologists at the University have Reading say.

As schools across England reopen this week, child psychologist Professor Helen Dodd has advised parents not to dismiss their children’s concerns as they go back to the classroom after nearly three months spent at home in lockdown.

Her advice is part of ongoing scientific research at the University of Reading that is helping the UK, and the world, overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. It comes as universities this week highlight the importance of science, technology, engineering, medicine and maths during British Science Week (5-14 March) – and show how universities are responding to the coronavirus through research and support for their local communities.

Professor Dodd said: “I am pleased that schools are back open, happy to see children together again and hopeful that schools will be supported to give children the time and space they need to play with one another and reconnect.

“Whilst for some children the return to school will be a challenging transition, for most it is the best place for them to be and the reopening of schools to all pupils will come as a huge relief to families struggling to meet their children's needs whilst working from home.”

“Don’t jolly them along and tell them it will all be fine. Listen and acknowledge their fears" - Professor Helen Dodd, University of Reading

Professor Dodd has taken a leading role in the recent PlayFirstUK campaign highlighting the importance of play to children, arguing that playing with friends this summer should be prioritised over extra school work to make up for lost time during lockdown, as some have suggested.

Research has shown that many children have struggled with loneliness during the lockdowns over the past 12 months, with researchers arguing this poses a mental health risk that outweighs the need to ‘catch up’ with extra in-person teaching during holidays, evenings or weekends.

They argue that children need to be encouraged to play with friends as lockdown restrictions ease, as it helps them learn to regulate their emotions, form a sense of identity, and develop confidence and independence from overcoming challenges.

Professor Dodd told The Times that many children may need reassurance after losing the confidence to socialise during school closures. She said: “Don’t jolly them along and tell them it will all be fine. Listen and acknowledge their fears. Say, ‘I get it. I know it’s hard but I also know you can get through this.’”

She also advised parents to help reinstate independence in their children, adding: “Suggest they go to the shop rather than you, and perhaps push back if they’re asking you do something they would have done themselves. Say, ‘How do you think you should solve this problem?’ rather than always jumping in with a solution.”

#WeAreTogether

The University of Reading is sharing examples of its world-leading science research that is helping tackle the pandemic and its impacts, as well as other global challenges, as part of the Universities UK #WeAreTogether campaign and British Science Week (5-14 March).

Examples are being shared on the University’s @UniofReading Twitter account all week.