Testimonials

“This is a book that helps parents provide support for their students as they return to school. I think it gives the encouragement for everyone to be concerned about the decision but the power to know that it will be possible with the right guidance and attitude.

A very useful resource to establish the best language around something that regretfully is fraught with fear – returning to school.”


Bev Vernon, 3rd Grade Teacher, Hingham, MA

“We all know that COVID-19 has created these difficult times, made only more difficult by trying to make the best decisions for our children as it relates to their education and their mental health.

As a parent of a college student and an educator in grades K-2, reading Helping Our Kids Go Back To School Well gave me the space to pause and take a deep breath. I’m not in this alone! School will look different for everyone this fall, there will be fears and anxiety and unknowns. This book has a foundation in actionable tips for parents to help their children handle big emotions as they navigate learning during a pandemic. Educators can also benefit from these tips as we figure out our ‘back to school’ plans in this uncertain climate.

Helping Our Kids Go Back To School Well is real, grounded and practical. I love that every chapter contains Tips, TryThis, Why It Works, Things To Talk About and Stories From The Real World. These authors are on this journey with you every step of the way and you can feel their empathy. The Addendum with Questions To Consider is particularly helpful as parents try to ask the right questions to make the right decisions for their family.

Honestly, this book can’t land fast enough in the hands of parents, educators, administrators, school committee members and the general public! It’s a quick read that begs to be read over and over. “

Michele Teden, M.Ed., teacher and parent

Westford, Massachusetts

"It is easier to navigate difficult situations and make decisions when you feel supported. In such an uncertain time, this guide does just that by:

  • relating to other's real life stories,

  • challenging us to reimagine in a positive light, and

  • providing simple tips.

I personally keep it together by giving myself time outs to calm my emotions and gather my thoughts. Families will certainly benefit by having this guide by their side!"

Flip Grey, mother of t(w)eens, Chesterfield, Virginia

"We are living in challenging times, unlike those any of us has faced before. Parents have the dual challenge of managing their own emotions in the midst of so much uncertainty along with knowing how to help their children navigate the uncertainties they face. A major issue facing many families is their children’s return to school and a panoply of swirling emotions stemming from this transition. Helping Our Kids Go Back to School Well is an invaluable resource for guiding families and caregivers to support young people as they move back into schooling. Recognizing that the schooling that students return to may differ in ways both big and small form the one they left, this book provides a wealth of helpful strategies for assisting young people to manage their emotions, capitalizing on young people’s inherent strengths, and hosting meaningful and productive conversations about what lies ahead.

Megan Tschannen-Moran, Professor of Educational Leadership, William & Mary School of Education

“I am a practicing psychologist who is deeply involved with families and children who are agonizing about possible school reentry and/or remote learning challenges. I so enjoyed the content of this new book, both its physical presentation and its many practical suggested supports for both children and families. I am excited to refer it to many families as they look forward toward an uncertain school opening. I also am a school consultant and know that school administrators are looking for this type of guidance as they navigate the terrain ahead. It will be a wonderful resource for many!”

Jan Goldstein,PhD, MBA

“As an educator and a parent, I have my own questions and concerns about the upcoming school year as well as my children’s fears and worries. Reading, Helping Our Kids Go Back to School Well, provides numerous strategies and tips on how to help children prepare for school, which can be useful for both parents and educators.

This practical guide outlines information, tips, real life stories and examples of how to reframe your communication with your child and yourself. While this book proves to be very helpful during the current health pandemic, the information provides how to communicate and help your child with anxiety and strong emotions which can be used at any time. I will be using this guide as I help my own children prepare for the upcoming school year.”

Erin Putnam, M.ed., Educator



“I finished reading Helping Our Kids Go Back to School Well. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful, thoughtful and well written book. It was such an easy read packed with invaluable information for both families and educators. During a time of such uncertainty this ebook will provide the tools necessary for families and educators to alleviate stress and make the best decisions for them, their children and students.”

Tracy Maher, M.ed., Educator

Trauma….so many parents and children are experiencing adverse conditions due to this COVID pandemic. How do we make the transition from school at home to bended or hybrid schools or virtual schools? How do children cope with not seeing their friends, fear of death, being in stressful home environments, being hungry because they aren’t at school to eat, parents out of work, and family businesses failing? This book isn’t the answer to all of these questions but could be the most needed tool teachers and parents will have in dealing with children with fear and anxiety . I commend this group of dedicated advocates and hope this reaches those children and parent and teachers who are struggling in this challenging world we now Iive in.

Charlotte Douglas

Retired State Representative