With preparation students in Melbourne returning to class for the first time after the lockdown today, and other grade levels to follow over the next week, a pediatrician urged parents, teachers and children to “go slowly” on themselves.
Pediatrician and researcher at Royal Children’s Hospital, Dr Anthea Rhodes, says the return to on-site learning will be a big adjustment for everyone involved.
“For children and parents, as well as for returning teachers and school staff, there is excitement, worry and fear, there may even be a little sadness”, a- she told Neil Mitchell.
Dr Rhodes says there will be a lot of “great feelings” today and they could come out in unpredictable ways.
âI think the most important thing is to recognize these things⦠and to recognize that they can appear in unusual ways,â she said.
âThey don’t always come out in a way that we can explain them.
âFor children also, when they are at home, they tend to let their guard down, but when they are outside and at school, they have to learn to regulate themselves and many small children can. -be forgotten about that. “
Dr Rhodes urged everyone involved in the transition to school to âtake it easyâ on themselves.
âIt’s going to take a while,â she said.
Press PLAY below to hear Dr. Rhodes’ advice on back to school
I think of all the children, parents, teachers and school staff as many children return to school today. As they say in the paeds, there will be a lot of âgreat feelingsâ around today. This is absolutely to be expected. It’s a lot to deal with. Go easy on yourself and your childrenâ¤ï¸
– Dr Anthea Rhodes ï¸ðð (@DrAntheaRhodes) October 17, 2021