Eyal Gutentag on How to Support Your Children During Online Schooling - COVID-19

Eyal Gutentag on How to Support Your Children During Online Schooling - COVID-19

Over the last few months, COVID-19 has changed the daily lives of families all over the world. Schools have closed in 188 countries, leaving more than 1.5 billion children to rearrange their education. In the United States, 54.8 million students have had their schools close due to COVID-19. Many school districts that have access to the internet have moved to online schooling.

As your kids adapt to home learning, it's essential to find a healthy structure and routine that keeps your kids positive and focused. There may be days that your children are incredibly productive, and other days that they struggle to focus. Remember, these are difficult times, not just for us, but for our kids as well. It is not your job to be the principal. It is your job to love and support your children during online schooling. Our kids look to us to learn how to respond to the unknown. Showing patience, kindness, strength, and even silliness during stressful times should take precedence over “getting the job done.”

The goal is for your kids to get the most out of home schooling and stay healthy in the process. Here are some tips on how to support your children during online schooling in the age of COVID-19:

Create a morning schedule

It can be helpful for kids to stick to old routines. Make a plan together about when you will wake up in the morning, and follow your family morning routine. Old habits can be reassuring, so kids should still get dressed for school, have breakfast, maybe even go for a morning walk. Keep in mind, some days, the rules may need to be broken. But resist the urge to throw structure out the window completely.

Set up a designated work area

Set up an area in the home where your children can focus on their schoolwork. Make this a family activity, so your child has some control over their work environment. This could be a table, a desk, or a quiet corner in the house. Your child may want to customize the space to make it more desirable to work in. Have fun doing this together! Organize supplies, decorate, add stickers or plants, or create a cozy book nook - the goal is for the area to be desirable to work in for long periods of time.

Take breaks

At school, there are many breaks built in, whether that’s recess or just walking to a locker between classes. Your children still need breaks to reset between subjects. Take pauses to stretch, get a snack, or do a lap around the house to get some energy out. If you are really worried about your child losing momentum, you can always set a timer. To avoid anxiety, your kids should have time to play outside and release tension at some point during the day.

Keep socializing

For many kids, the most difficult part of COVID-19 is social distancing from their school friends. It is so important for children to stay connected with friends and family during the time. Find creative ways to stay in touch with other kids from school. You may not be able to plan an actual playdate, but you can help your kids find opportunities to connect. If you have the technology, you can help your children schedule a zoom call with a few classmates or play an online board game together on the weekends. Even just a phone call with a friend can keep spirits high.

Be Open

It is important to share your feelings with your kids during this time. Our children are highly receptive, and they can sense when we are worried or stressed. You can be a good role model by being open about your feelings, and encouraging your kids to be open about theirs. For many of us, these can be scary and overwhelming times. Do a daily check in to talk about how you’re feeling as a family. The best way to support your children during online schooling is by facing fear head on, and working together as a team. - Eyal Gutentag