Parents fear separation anxiety when returning to work

A recent survey by a self-care company has found that many parents are incredibly apprehensive about their return to the office after lockdown.

In a survey Perrigo UK and Ireland of 2,000 parents of children aged 16 or under, it was found that nearly half of parents worried about separation anxiety setting in when they returned to work and their children to school. Additionally, four in ten expressed nervousness about their children returning to school.

It’s no wonder that parents have struggled during 2020, with children at home and lacking their usual outlets, parents having to work from home whilst also acting as a teacher and the additional worries a pandemic adds. And it seems that many parents have found the pandemic to have had an effect on them, with one-third of those surveyed admitting to having become more protective as a parent.

Some other interesting stats were that 60% of parents thought it made sense to take extra precautions upon a return to a more normal routine, and four in ten have found comfort in being home to protect their family’s health during this global crisis.

Perrigo spokesperson Laure de Brauer told The Independent: “We’ve all experienced a heightened awareness of our families’ health in recent months. It will be a learning curve for us all to feel comfortable again, but many parents are finding peace of mind in taking extra precautions to keep their families healthy.”

How to help the transition back to work

There are myriad things you can do to support children returning to school during COVID-19, whilst also ensuring that you as a parent or guardian are kept in a positive and productive headspace. From making sure you have a predetermined routine to finding out ways you can keep in touch with teaching staff so you can learn about your child’s transition back into education.

Another wonderful step is utilising a nanny agency like Beauchamp Partners to find a nanny and get some household help. When you’re back at work, household chores can pile up, and especially for those who work odd hours, it can be hard knowing you won’t be at the gates to pick the little ones up after school. By hiring a nanny, you can feel confident that these tasks will be professionally taken care of, leaving you to spend your spare time enjoying your family.

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