As students from primary and secondary schools across Guangdong return to the classroom, some are facing mental instability due to the shift in teaching methods and the stress brought by school work. Psychologists remind parents that they should pay attention to the mental wellbeing of children and help them restore their mindsets for their return to their previous school lives.

Many experienced psychological counsellors remind parents that students may be slow to adapt themselves when returning to school, but say this is a “normal phenomenon.”

“Some students may have failed to catch up during online teaching and feel anxious, while some may feel lost due to the contrast of school lives and lives at home,” said Shen Yanyin, a counsellor from Foshan Foreign Language School. Psychologists also wish to remind parents that staying at home during the pandemic may have given some students a sense of isolation in interpersonal relationships, especially for those who are shy.

Psychologists hold that if children do not wish to talk about their lives after returning to school, parents should pay attention to their potential worries. “Parents need to pay attention to their children’s changing mood and how they study. If their children feel low, are prone to anger or have difficulty sleeping, they need to contact the head teacher or school counsellors,” said psychologist Zhong Jiantao.

According to psychologists, parents need to adjust their own emotions when helping their children. “Never talk with children or scold them in a moody manner,” said Zhong. “But learn to understand their difficulties and try to praise them.”

Experts also suggest that parents should set examples for their children and provide mental support. They can follow their children’s timetable, encourage them to exercise and ensure they have enough sleep. Older students may rely on self adjustment and strive to seek help from other people around them.

It is suggested that parents should talk with their children before they return to school. Topics can range from preparing school supplies, tips on disease prevention and how to maintain good interpersonal relationships.

Give children enough time to adjust to their timetable at school and take them to exercise outdoors.

Listen to the children when they talk about their feelings when returning to school and help them see the positive side of returning amidst the pandemic. Help children make their study plans and encourage them to stay in touch with schoolmates. Remind children of any changes in school regulations and keep in touch with teachers. (Wang Jiyuan)