At Feet First Foot Specialists, we know that our Middlesex County families are anxious about what the new school year will bring with the COVID pandemic. Whether your children are going back to the classroom full-time, distance-learning, or some hybrid combination, there are steps you can take to reduce fears and help your children learn as much as possible in the current climate.![](//feetfirst-footcare.com.edit.officite.com/images/149107169_M_girl_Covid_19_Mask_safety.jpg)
- Do: try to maintain the back to school rituals your child is familiar with. It may include shopping for new clothes and shoes, which is valuable even if distance learning will be the order of the day. Just like adults who work from home, having a routine that involves getting out of your pajamas and dressed for the workday helps set a productive tone. If your child has developed any foot or ankle pain over the summer, make sure you contact our Cromwell office for an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, to have it evaluated. The foot doctor may have recommendations about shoes that will best address any podiatric issues your child is having.
- Don’t: gloss over the changes children will be facing. It’s best to address concerns head-on. Will I have to wear a mask? Am I allowed to talk to my friends? Will there still be gym class? Will I get sick? These are just a few of the worries your child may have. Encourage them to ask questions and do your best to give truthful, reassuring answers.
- Do: find opportunities for peer socialization. Sitting behind a screen can’t provide the necessary social interaction that is part of the education experience. If going into the classroom isn’t an option, try to arrange safe, in-person study opportunities, perhaps outdoors with masks and 6-foot distancing.
- Do: make sure where ever learning is to take place your child is well-equipped with the supplies they need. For at-home learning, that may mean rearranging space to create a dedicated area for learning and upgrading internet and router capabilities.
- Don’t: forget physical activity and fun. If traditional gym classes are not happening for your child, remember the recommended is still that they get a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Schedule time for walks, bike rides, or sports as possible. Not only will this help keep your child in shape, but it will also give him or her a healthy outlet to blow off steam and help cope with the stress this new school year may bring.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s foot health, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here for you and your family.
860-632-5499, 162 West St Ste K, Cromwell, CT 06416.