School is not just about academics, it is important for social health and emotional health. Virtual Illusion: Comparing Student Achievement and Teacher and Classroom Characteristics in Online and Brick-and-Mortar Charter Schools states, “Social interaction among children in grades K-12 is important not only for emotional wellbeing, but also for children’s language, communication, social, and interpersonal skills.” As we abruptly went to distant learning at the end of last year I saw the toll it took on all of my children from my youngest in Elementary School to my oldest at college.
As we start this school year it looks nothing like the last 13 years of sending my children to school. Whatever going back to school looks like for you and your children I honor your choice. If your anything like me it was not an easy decisions. I am still questioning some of the decisions we have made as a family.
Our School District is schooled to return on August 24th and there are still many unknowns. I have not purchase any school supplies because we have not received any supply list. Most of the School Districts, Schools and Teacher have been focusing most of their time on following CDC guidelines and creating school safety plans than preparing to teach.
As a parent I am choosing to focus what I can do to prepare my children to go back to school. I am preparing them with the tools to support their immune system. This starts with healthy eating, proper supplementation including doTERRA On Guard+ Softgels, exercise, as well as proper rest and stress management. It also includes removing toxins from our home by using natural cleaning and hygiene products. And last but most important is washing our hands or sanitizing has because more routine to better support our immune system.
I am also preparing my children with the tools to support their emotional health. It also starts with healthy physical habits just like our immune system. Having daily discussions one on one and as a family about emotions and events of the day is very beneficial. Essential Oils are key in our home for emotional support and we use the book Essential Emotions to help us determine the best oil to support the emotion. doTerra’s website also has great resource emotional support including: Creating Love & Connection, Calming Anxious Feelings, and Lifting Discouragement.
Back to School is not basic this year! May your family stay healthy physically and emotionally.
Resources:
Fitzpatrick, B. R., Berends, M., Ferrare, J. J., & Waddington, R. J. (2020). Virtual Illusion: Comparing Student Achievement and Teacher and Classroom Characteristics in Online and Brick-and-Mortar Charter Schools. Educational Researcher, 49(3), 161–175.
Beyond Possibilities 