
Next week is going to bring a lot of changes for everyone. Redeemer will open their doors once again and we cannot wait to welcome you back with open, yet socially-distanced arms. While things are going to look differently, everyone is eager to make their new routines.

MAKE A PLAN
If you haven’t already, please make sure you start talking to your kids about returning to school.
Watch what the new drop-off/pick-up routine will look like: HERE! Use this opportunity to ask them how they’re feeling and learn what they think about going back to school.
This is going to be a big transition. Families have been home for over 2 months. This is going to be a big change for them. Expect your children to feel all the emotions. Be there to comfort them and assure them you’ll get through this together.
An excellent book to read with your children is, The Kissing Hand. This book talks about a little raccoon, Chester, leaving his home and family and going to school. He’s scared to be away from home, but his mom reassures him that even when they’re apart, she is with him. This is great to reference during this time and share with your kids before school starts! It will help give them a strategy for what to do when they start to miss you!
GOODBYE ROUTINE
Saying “goodbye” to your kid, especially on the first day back at school, is going to be no easy task. The best way to handle it is to reassure them you will be back for them. Give them a big squeeze and send them on their way. The longer you draw out the goodbye, the harder it will be for both you and your kid.
If you have a hard time at drop-off, feel free to send your teacher a message on Brightwheel and let them know. I know they would love to send you an update on how your kid is doing once they’re adjusted in their classroom.
KEEP CALM AND PASS IT ON
Yes, things are going to look a lot different. Teachers will be wearing masks, rooms will be set up for social distancing, and kids will be in new classes. Do your best to focus on the positive things that will come out of this. They no longer have to be at home, but can come to school and see their friends and teachers. The get to play outside on the playground. They’ll get to play fun games and read new books. Get your kids excited about being back at school. If they see you happy and encouraged they will mirror that same energy.
SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S MENTAL HEALTH
All of this change is a lot for your child to process. Give them grace. Give yourself grace. There’s no guidebook to how we should be handling this. Don’t stress so much on what letters they’re learning and numbers they’re counting. While those things are important, it’s imperative to foster their social emotional skills at this time. Talk to your kids. Ask how they’re feeling. Help them identify what they’re feeling and how to process it. This is just as important as learning the alphabet and will help them tremendously in growing through this transition.
While things on the outside are going to look a tad different at Redeemer, know that our hearts are still the same. We cannot wait to love on your children and provide a safe and happy place for them to be during this time. We can’t wait to be back and we can’t wait to serve you.