By Kelly Ilhejiawu | Contributor
Going back to school is often one of the most thrilling moments of the year. As we enter fall, we often look forward to cooler weather, peaceful homes, and the festive season ahead. However, this school year has turned out to be quite the opposite. Families are now at home, juggling work and online education, with each day seeming to blur into the next. Many parents are striving to find ways to support their children who are longing for their friends and subconsciously yearning for the structure school typically offers.
Parenting comes with its own challenges at every stage, but the teenage years can introduce a heightened level of stress. This is a time when children seek their independence and work to understand their identities. School, a place where they not only learn academics but also vital life lessons, is closed due to the pandemic, leaving parents to navigate a variety of emotions while facilitating online learning at home.
To assist you in supporting your child during this unprecedented time, here are some practical tips to alleviate some of the stress.
1. Establish a Learning Space at Home
Encourage your child to select a spot in your home dedicated to their studies, equipped with all necessary learning materials. Let them personalize the space to make it their own. Also, offer alternative locations for studying throughout the day to break the monotony.
2. Assist Your Child in Organizing Their Day and Assignments
Work alongside your child to create a daily schedule based on their school’s guidelines. Many will need to “transition” between virtual classes just as they do in a traditional setting. Set a timer or alarm on their phone to signal when it’s time to switch classes. If your child benefits from visual aids, consider posting their schedule in a prominent area. Help them use reminders on their phone to track assignments, setting alarms for 24-48 hours before due dates, and utilizing a desk calendar. Discover the best organizational method for your child and aid them in utilizing it. Remain adaptable with scheduling, as schools are still adjusting to online learning.
3. Offer Guidance
Encourage independence in your child’s learning. Avoid completing assignments for them or contacting their teachers on their behalf. Provide them the chance to address challenges that arise. Teach them to email their teachers for help or clarification regarding an assignment. Allowing your child to make mistakes is part of their learning process. Remember, you should never exert more effort than they do.
4. Actively Listen and Create a Safe Space for Expression
During this time, your child may go through a mix of emotions. Give them room to voice their feelings. It’s fine for them to have tough days as they adapt to a new normal. They might require support in articulating their feelings and guidance on expressing themselves healthily.
5. Encourage Physical Activity
Incorporate some form of physical activity into your child’s daily routine. Permit them to go for a walk or engage in a fun outdoor family game. Staying active is beneficial for your child’s mental well-being.
These tips serve as a framework to guide your family in supporting your child during this period. Every child will face their own unique challenges. Most importantly, remind your child that they are not alone in this experience.
Editor’s Note: Explore additional resources to keep your family healthy at the Children’s Health COVID-19 hub.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kelly Ilhejiawu is the director of family library and school services at Children’s Health.
