With school fast approaching, students may be feeling even more nervous than usual this year.

"Typically, this is a time of year when kids are feeling stressed and anxious as it is," says Dr. Zubair Khan, a child psychiatrist. "But this year, because things are so uncertain, the levels and stress is higher than usual."

Khan says the coronavirus pandemic has been very disruptive for children who have not been able to socialize with friends or family.

He says it's important for parents to check in with their children and ask them what they are worried about.

Khan says parents should also validate their children's feelings and let them know they are real and understandable. He says parents can be honest about their own feelings too, but not to be too worrisome.
The child psychiatrist also suggests practicing wearing masks and social distancing at home before they have to do it at school.