CLEVELAND — We all know the challenges that are emerging with life returning back to normal from the pandemic. Certainly, kids are no exception to that as they prepare to head back to the classroom this fall.
“We didn’t have any social interaction, except between the siblings,” Sophia Samples said.
That was a normal that happened quickly when the pandemic struck Northeast Ohio last year.
Coping with the changes came with challenges. Now, heading back to the classroom poses more hurdles.
“When we first started going back, it was really strange,” Samples said.
The Hone-Samples family returned to school last year, describing first-hand what the transition back was like.
“[They had to learn] how to get used to talking to teachers again, used to talking to friends,” Samples’ mom, Ashley Hone, said.
Someone experienced in social-emotional coping is Robyn Cutler, the Executive Director for Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio. Her program is tailored specifically to girls in middle school and younger.
"Not only are they struggling in the classroom, they’re not able to make connections because of the gathering restrictions," says Cutler, who notes that the anxiety of transitioning back to social settings is causing stress for boys of all ages too.
"The lack of interaction these kids have had, I also think that is going to take a while for them to feel they can be their authentic selves and pick up on social cues," she adds.
Cutler says with kids now going back to the classroom, one good way to help them transition back is to get them off of their computers and bring them outdoors to socialize. She also says kids need to talk through their feelings so they know that they're just that.
"They are still who they were before the pandemic. It’s just a little buried inside them," Cutler says.
Find out more about Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio at www.gotrNEO.org.
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