Well, it’s back to school time in a time like no other. Usually, by now, you’re all geared up and ready to send your kids back to school with their new backpacks, jeans, and sneakers. But this is not a typical return to school. Whether your kiddos are headed back to in-person classes, remote learning, doing a hybrid program, or you have made the decision to homeschool, preparing for the upcoming school year is and will continue to be an unprecedented challenge. But hey, if you’re a parent/guardian, you’ve probably already learned to roll with the punches. So, here are a few tips to move away from the pandemic’s blows and lessen the impact.

First, if you haven’t already, have an age-appropriate conversation with your children about their school’s plan for return, what the new rules are, and why these guidelines are in place. Have them ask you questions and let them have a chance to express their concerns. You may not have all the answers or solutions but make a plan to work together to address them. There are a ton of online resources for talking to your kids about COVID. If you’re parenting with a partner or getting help from other family members, look at these resources together, so everyone is on the same page. And keep the conversation going as the school year progresses. Share updates you get from school and check in on how your kids are feeling.

One upside to this time is that it presents an opportunity to teach kids about proper hygiene. Part of me wishes we had a similar outbreak back in the ‘90s that forced sanitation and handwashing, because my brother was a disgusting tween. From toddlers to teenagers, make hygiene lessons/reminders part of their back to school preparations. Kids should be taught that handwashing needs to happen before eating, both meals and snacks, after using the bathroom, after sneezing, coughing, or blowing their nose. Wash hands after playing outside and after touching animals. This can become tedious, so try to make it a game, especially for younger children. Every time they wash their hands, they get a sticker or pick the next activity, something along those lines. Check with your school on their handwashing setup. Are there sinks in individual classrooms? Will there be hand sanitizer stations outside of the classroom? Check to see if your child can bring their own hand-sanitizer. If yes, then designate where their hand sanitizer will “live” in their backpack so that they won’t misplace it.

Along with hand washing, keep fingernails clean and trimmed. Dirty nails are a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Teach your kids how to scrub under their nails while washing their hands or have them use a nail brush before bed. Again, you can make this a bit more fun by presenting this as part of an at-home manicure, or putting it on a nighttime routine checklist where they earn points for completing all of their bedtime “to-dos”.

Obviously, wearing a mask can be a pain. But let your kids pick out their “back to school” masks and try to play up some positives to mask-wearing. Like, “you can stick your tongue out at the teacher right in front of her, and she’ll never know.” Or, for teenagers, “now you won’t have to worry about breakouts.” And for everyone, “now that you have to breathe in your own morning breath, you’ll be brushing your teeth before school, right?”

Cater to some of their mini-indulgences, within reason. Even though you know, the plastic Bubbleguppies bookbag wouldn’t last a normal school year, or the pom-pom pens will run dry after a week, instead of forcing the issues, just go with it, especially if you are doing hybrid or remote learning. Of course, be sure you have proper supplies they need when the novelty short twig colored pencils aren’t showing up on graph paper. If they are having a hard time being away from friends, contact the other parents for virtual playdates. For younger children, have a loose “agenda” for these Zoom calls. The first playdate my 4-year-old had with her best friend resulted in her getting EVERY toy out to show on the screen. Now, we try to play a game or take turns telling a story to give it some structure.

Speaking of structure, not only do you want to get all of the notebooks, highlighters, art material, etc. but you will need to organize them if your kids are doing any type of remote learning. Just like you have your work from home space, your kids should have an at-home classroom area. If your child already has a desk in their room and is especially studious, great! You may just need to help them organize their supplies. For most kids, attending a remote classroom from their bedroom is not very conducive to learning. There are way too many distractions in their room. I can’t work from my bedroom, and my room is boring. Having toys, video games, etc. is way too tempting for kids who are supposed to be paying attention to fractions. It could be part of the dining room table, an actual desk in a corner of the living room, or a “roped off” section of the kitchen counter. Having a designated space to stand-in for going to school will provide a bit more structure. If they are going to a grandparent’s or babysitter’s house on days, they are learning remotely, set up a space in that home for them, just as you would in your own home.

Above all, try to make it as fun as you can. No easy order, I know. It may not be feasible to indulge your kids’ whims or have a rewards-based incentive approach. Making it fun doesn’t mean buying toys or prizes, but it’s more so about keeping up your spirits and being there for your kids. I’m no expert, but our kids just want to spend time and play with us, at least until they don’t. So, whether you go with stickers, ice cream treats, or family fun activities, do your best to keep up a positive attitude even when you feel like hitting your head against a wall. And every time you feel like screaming or shouting, go wash your hands instead.