School in the Time of the Coronavirus

by Emily Mazzulla, Ph.D

The start of the school year is upon us and the uncertainties surrounding the pandemic persist. Teachers and administrators have been working tirelessly to determine the best way forward for students, families and schools. As a result, many plans have been put in motion. Some schools are opening for in-person learning, some remain virtual and others have chosen a hybrid approach. Given the myriad school opening plans, parents, understandably, have a lot of questions and also want to know how to support their children during this transition. It is difficult to know what to say to parents looking for guidance during this time and there are few resources available on this topic. 

Resilience is the ability to cope in stressful or traumatic circumstances. We all demonstrate resilience in some capacity and thankfully, resilience can be built with intentional effort. During the pandemic, resilience building coping skills can be beneficial for both children and their parents. These skills help to reestablish a sense of safety and stability and empower individuals to have confidence in their abilities to cope effectively. 

In my new illustrated children’s book, School in the Time of the Coronavirus, resilience focused coping strategies are modeled throughout the story.  The book follows Maria and her mother as they prepare to return to school during the coronavirus pandemic.  This beautifully illustrated, relatable story is a safe, engaging way for parents and teachers to talk to kids about thoughts and feelings related to this transition.  At the end of the book, nine resilience focused coping strategies are detailed for parents and teachers to use this time and other challenging times of life. 

Independent of whether we are back to school in-person, continuing with on-line learning or a hybrid of the two, children are looking to us as trusted adults to help them process the uncertainties of this time.  Although, as parents, we do not have all the answers, we do have the ability to build resilience in our kids and encourage them to use these skills throughout their lives. 

Emily Mazzulla, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, clinical assistant professor of psychology at Marquette University (MU), expert in the field of traumatic stress and resilience, and mother of three young children. Her new book School in the Time of the Coronavirus, is available now on Amazon and other booksellers. Link to Book