When health issues prevent a student from going to school for an extended period, it can turn life upside down not only for the child, but also for those who care about them. This situation can bring up a lot of concerns, not least regarding learning continuity and academic success in circumstances that are anything but normal. Kids who are forced to miss a lot of school because of their health need support and encouragement to overcome the challenges they face. Laughter, games, and anything else that can help take their mind off things are welcome distractions. In addition, to reduce the stress they may feel about having to make up ground when they return to class, it is essential to develop new routines and use educational strategies that make learning fun.
In this article, Alloprof shares ideas to help you adapt and have greater peace of mind during your child’s recovery.
As soon as you receive a medical note from a health specialist that justifies your child’s extended absence, you must inform the school. The guidelines for ensuring your child maintains their studies and is able to make up tests and assignments may differ from school to school and will take into account several factors, such as what grade they are in, whether they are hospitalized or at home, how long they will be out of school, and their physical and mental state. Staying in close communication with their school team is a must.
Talk to your child’s teacher about what units they will miss while out of school. You should also feel free to ask for advice on activities and resources that could help your child stay on track. It will be reassuring for your child to know that you are communicating with their school. If they want, and their teacher agrees, you can arrange a quick video call at a time when they feel up to it so that they can see their classmates.
In the case of long-term hospitalization, some medical facilities offer education services and will stay in touch with your child’s school to conduct follow-ups.
The Centre de services scolaire de Montréal offers a hospital school program (links in French only) for kids who need to be hospitalized for more than a week or who require periodic medical treatment. With their parents’ permission, a child is enrolled as soon as the program is notified of their hospitalization. This service is available at the following locations:
If you are affiliated with a different school service centre or school board, find out what options are available in your area.
A long-term break from school is also a long-term break from normal life. To give your child some stability, it can help to establish a new routine. A well-structured schedule that takes their health into account can go a long way toward reducing their stress and anxiety. They will also feel less isolated if they can continue their schooling at the hospital or at home, since this will give them some sense of normalcy. Here are a few examples of how you can help your child adapt:
Most importantly, always remember to be kind and understanding. Your child is sick, after all!
Reading offers countless benefits, especially to kids who are sick. Diving into a good book is a calming activity that can broaden one’s horizons, spark the imagination, and chase away boredom. In addition, reading makes it easier to retain new information. There are many ways to help your child get the most out of reading during their absence from school:
In these extraordinary circumstances, nothing matters more than your child’s health and well-being. Learning to let go is key: aim to celebrate your child’s daily efforts and achievements, however small they may seem.
Being away from school for so long is a major event in your child’s life, which is why this time should be filled with as many happy memories as possible. Your child may be anxious at the thought of falling behind their classmates; all the more reason to rethink conventional learning strategies and focus on making school fun.
You can use our wide range of services, which are always free of charge, to support your child and help them learn at their own pace. For example:
Your child can also learn while having fun by doing informal educational activities (link in French):
All of these suggestions give you the chance to talk to your child afterward about what they learned, what they enjoyed, and what they found difficult. You can also use this opportunity to ask about how they are feeling. By prioritizing your child’s well-being and self-esteem, you will make it easier for them to eventually resume their normal life.
Your social circle can be a tremendous resource for helping your child keep up with their schooling. Acting as your child’s teacher is a big responsibility when you have their health to worry about at the same time. Having somebody else step in can take a bit of the pressure off your shoulders.
Moreover, kids tend to be more responsive when someone other than a parent helps them learn. Here are some ideas on where to find a tutor for your child during their absence from school:
Writing : The Alloprof Parents' team