Back to the Classroom: A Game Plan for Reducing Anxiety

Back to the Classroom:

A Game Plan for Reducing Anxiety

Back-to-school supplies were a bit different this year for the Criswell family, as they prepared for eleventh-grader Malachi, ninth-grader Ashtin and kindergartner Jude to start school in Indianapolis.

Along with backpacks, new clothes and shoes, the Criswells added face masks to their list of school supplies. They also developed a method of managing the clean and dirty masks.

“We were really concerned about their health, safety and education,” said Alyssa, the Criswells’ mother. “We really had to weigh the pros and cons of returning to in-person learning.”

The Criswell family, like many across the country, spent the last school year in a virtual classroom interacting with other students and teachers only via a computer screen. Although 18-year-old Mia, the Criswell’s daughter, was successful in completing her senior year through virtual learning, Malachi and Ashtin faced many challenges.

“Although our school district has done a good job of implementing safety precautions, we were worried about how it would go. Going back to in-person learning with potential restrictions only added to the anxiety. With so many kids coming back at once we were concerned for our kids’ safety,” said Alyssa.

Nathan, the Criswells’ father, who is an educator at Warren Central High School, said that he did not initially feel anxious about returning to school in-person, but that soon changed. “A lot of the kids didn’t know how to act after a year and a half away from in-person learning. There were constant fights and disrespectful behavior. It caused anxiety knowing that our kids were in that environment.”

But parents can help prepare their children with what may be a tough transition.

Alyssa and Nathan appreciate the updates that the schools provide through a new mobile app and look forward to regular correspondence with teachers throughout the year. The family also encourages open communication with their kids at home, discussing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns about the coming school year. They also designate every Monday evening as family time. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, they look for practical, Bible-based advice to help with any issues or concerns.

“We want them to display Christian qualities such as love, loyalty, kindness and industriousness,” said Nathan and Alyssa. “We believe these qualities will help them grow to be happy and successful adults.”

While coronavirus variants have stoked pandemic anxieties, the Criswells endeavored not to overlook other challenges their kids may face.

One of their favorite resources is jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses that is free to all. Topics like “How to Deal with Isolation” and “How to Beat Pandemic Fatigue” are addressed there in articles that the Criswells recommend to everyone.

“I love the helpful, timely articles on jw.org,” Alyssa said. “No matter what problem or situation we are facing, we can find spiritual advice that is practical and effective. I appreciate how there is something for everyone in our family.”

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