Ever since some schools in the UK have reopened in phases, it has opened up a new set of questions for families. What does this mean for our children? How will a child attend school after months at home? As well as reorganizing academically into full-time education, the emotional impact can be even greater.

We spoke with Dr. Nash's senior clinical psychologist Dr. Sherena Gilani about how parents can help their children prepare for return to school, whenever that can happen. Here is what he had to say:

Prepare for the breakthrough
Before it's time to get them back, put the school in your kids' minds - ask the school if you can see if it still is.
When they are given a return date, treat it as the beginning of the school year. Prepare for the morning preparation test, fit the school uniform, packing the bat and walking the path to school.
For today's children, they may need to be resettled - parents may need to attend class and ensure their child's population.
For teens - Use time when they are at home to help with friendships, video calls, etc. They will feel less familiar with returning to their peer group.

One step at a time
Even after school starts, you may find that children are generally more tired of needing more. Relax them back to their normal routine and wait for a few weeks to start other activities (clubs and activities).

Manage experiments
Over time, you will find you feel less stressed if you know there are good roads down the road.
Give plenty of room and time for a hiccup in the new schedule so that you don't have to manage a lot of demand (ie, batch cook dinner before hand, do not agree to additional activities or if possible, flexible working hours Option).
If you are feeling anxious about returning to school in any way, try to consider and if so, spend some time thinking about it and choosing it. If children take on your anxiety they may feel anxious.
Managing life and luxury
If you know your child may struggle with going back to school, try to create a toolbox of things they can do when they are upset at school. This includes a song to sing yourself, imagine a quiet place, some impressive cards, a handy exercise method and safe practice to be able to identify what they can sing. You can make this box together and the kids can take some buckets with them.

Talk to your children about the effects of coronavirus
Children know that it is possible that other families may have been infected by the virus (whether it is important working parents work hard, or family grief). Encourage your child to be patient and compassionate with other children. Talk to them about what they still have to expect - not sharing to friends, often washing hands, food or toys, etc.

For children with special educational needs, they may need adaptation designed for them. This may include visiting the school while it is empty to familiarize yourself with the location, a video call with your teacher or a more late stage retreat than other students - for those who do better.