As a preschool teacher, during the pandemic, my colleagues and I have worked in entirely different, changed conditions compared to those which felt good and safe. We managed to find our way in a bad situation and connect with children and their parents using different means and modes of cooperation. But currently, a completely new situation is in front of us, and a completely new way of working we have not operated in before. We are facing the task of building relationships and offering support to children and their parents. That’s why I’m sharing with you how to help your child adjust to the reopening of preschools after the pandemic.
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Talk with your children
Talk with your children about feelings and work on understanding fear. It is completely normal for fear to intensify in new situations. Honesty is extremely important when it comes to developing trust and building an open relationship with your children. It is important to explain to children how we feel. Of course, if children are younger than 3, adjust your response to their level. This way we also give them a chance to name their own feelings. They can draw their feelings, act them out, or simply talk about how they feel.
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Different kind of preschool
Tell your children that it is the very same preschool they went to before, that it is now just a little different. That now that it is open again, we still have to be careful so that the virus does not visit us. Tell them that adults will meet at the kindergarten will be wearing masks and that there are new rules now that will help us stay healthy. And tell them not to worry if not all of their friends show up during the first few days. As time goes by, children will slowly return.
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Respecting new rules
We ask parents to comply with the rules that currently apply to children staying in kindergartens for the safety of all of us. If you adhere to the rules, children will adjust more easily. You are our strongest link. You are the ones who will prepare the children for the new conditions, and we are here to help and support you.
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Concerns or dilemmas
Dear Parents, if there is something you are worried about or concerned about, feel free to get in touch with your children’s educators. We are also new to this situation, so we are going to work together to overcome it. We believe when you tell us that it is not easy, or that you are afraid of children gathering, but believe in us educators. All rules and measures are adhered to fully and your child will be safe, cared for, satisfied, and happy in the best possible way.
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Play
Play with your children. For them, it is the main way of learning and the greatest affirmation. Stay healthy!