Answer
In this counseling answer:
Everyone faces the same disadvantage right now. He is in no worse position that any other student.
You could find out which topics they will be studying over the year so that he could perhaps do some extra study on them from home.
Keep him engaged in the other things he enjoys.
Get some time outside in nature doing some gentle exercise.
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatuh,
These times are certainly challenging for us all in one way or another. Since March, some schools spent a period in closure, some longer than others did, and even upon return, the system is operating quite differently to usual.
Change is challenging anyone to deal with; especially the younger ones who have had little chance to experience and find ways to cope with change.
We All Face The Same Challenge
School usually provides a structured routine to the day and is one of the biggest focuses in a child and adolescent’s life.
Therefore, it makes sense that an upset to the schooling routine will naturally cause some level of anxiety.
Keeping this in mind might help you to help him more effectively by understanding things from his perspective. A few further ways can support him moving forward.
Remind him that he is not the only one in this situation. So many students have the same challenge. Everyone faces the same disadvantage right now. He is in no worse position that any other.
Reassure him that teachers, schools, prospective employers, all are aware of the situation and have to accommodate everyone based on the current situation. They are all aware of the struggles that everyone faces right now and how this impacts everything.
You can help him to sign up to any additional online classes that he may be interested in. If he is older, then perhaps search for courses that are relevant to his future career. This will also be excellent for his CV as a means to demonstrate his ability to work independently outside of the schooling environment.
This should give him a bit of a boost that his education won’t be ruined.
Do Some Extra Study
You could also check in with his teacher. Find out where he’s at, what they will be covering over the year and if they are behind where they would otherwise be expected to be.
You could find out which topics they will be studying over the year so that he could perhaps do some extra study on them from home.
You might also involve your son in this conversation so that he can also get this added reassurance from his teacher.
Find Peace
You can also support him in reducing his levels of anxiety; guide him to find peace in other things around him. This might bring his levels of anxiety down generally which will spill over into reducing his anxieties regarding his education.
Keep him engaged in the other things he enjoys. This may be through online Quran or Islamic classes. Otherwise, recite at home as a family if this is not an option. This will also strengthen the connection with Allah, which always help us deal with life’s challenges.
Other things might include going out as a family within your local rules as a means to get some time outside in nature doing some gentle exercise. This could be another means of maintaining wellbeing during these testing times.
May Allah reward your concerns for your son and grant him ease from anxieties. May Allah grant him and your family success in this life and the next.
Amen,
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