How Can My Kid Adjust To Online School During COVID-19?
While vaccines are still under trial and the global infection rate's increasing, the educational system created a band-aid solution for students to continue learning — they're shifting to online school.
WHAT'S THE ISSUE WITH ONLINE SCHOOL DURING COVID-19?
Online school may be easy for tech-savvy students, but it's a challenge when they're not well-versed. As a parent, you might relate to the same tech issues your child's experiencing. This can affect your child's online school experience.
Another group that may find online school challenging are families who are struggling financially. Because of the pandemic, businesses did mass layoffs so they can thrive. Some families are hanging by a thread, and online school splits the expenses of families.
As your child undergoes a shift in their school life, it can be hard when they're dealing with the pandemic's effects. It can create distress and affect your child's health. The following tips can help your kid adjust to online school during Covid-19.
Related Article: Coronavirus Anxiety: What is it?
WHAT ARE THE TIPS TO HELP YOUR KID ADJUST TO ONLINE SCHOOL DURING COVID-19?
BE PROACTIVE IN YOUR CHILD'S MENTAL HEALTH
As a parent, things that need your patience are work, family, and the pandemic. It's a tough load to carry. Another load is managing the health of your child. The younger your child is, the greater the patience you need. The key to your child's mental health is to be active on their behalf.
Being proactive doesn't mean you have to give your entire time to them. It just means you have to give a specific amount of time for your child's concerns. Here are helpful ways that can help your child's mental health:
- Ask them how they are feeling, and listen intently to their concerns.
- If your child's younger than 7, find creative activities that can help express their feelings.
- Tell your child that it's okay to feel scared, confused, or worried.
- Don't hide your feelings; explain to your child when you're scared or anxious. This helps your child see how it's okay to show their real emotions.
- Teens usually put up bigger walls, so don't assume that they're okay. Continue reassuring them even when they claim to be unbothered.
- Tell your child that they can help out by washing their hands and observing the preventive measures against the coronavirus.
CREATE A SCHOOL-LIFE PLAN FOR YOUR CHILD
It's tricky when home and school are not separate. The only way your child can distinguish school and home during the coronavirus is through time. That's why schedules are vital.
As online school draws closer and closer, it's vital to guide your child as their structure changes. Slowly introduce to your child the needed shift in schedule. Here are some suggestions:
- If your child's used to sleeping way past midnight, change the sleeping schedule to an hour early. After a week, change it to an hour earlier than before.
- Help your child with the class schedule.
- Set up a conducive study area for your child to limit distractions.
- Ask your child what makes them feel better so you can suggest activities that can help them unwind.
- Suggest to your child to bookmark the online classroom links for each subject. That way, they won't lose and stress over it.
As their parent, you must help your child adjust slowly. Help them plan their time so they can separate school and home life. Planning earlier can prevent your child from feeling shocked by sudden demands and changes.
TEACH YOUR CHILD COPING TECHNIQUES
Online school can be very stressful. Top it with a pandemic, and you might find your child screaming at everyone. Everyone responds to stress differently.
When your child screams at you because of frustration, don't greet misplaced anger with anger. Instead, here are some coping techniques you can suggest to your child:
- Engage in breathing techniques
- Play a game to destress
- Encourage your child to journal the feelings away
- Search for videos that can help your child manage anxiety
- Look for apps that can guide your child to engage in mindfulness techniques
- Encourage your child to engage in physical exercises
Related Article: 5 Ways to Calm Down
ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO UNWIND
It's unusual for a child to hear their parent say, "You should take a break," and it's most likely the opposite. Parents nag or stress the need to study, and it can affect your child's mental health.
As online school starts, you must let your child adjust at their own pace. Online classes for an entire day can be stressful if your child hasn't been socializing for months. School works can be tough to finish if they're mentally dealing with the pandemic and other events at play.
Seldom will they hear their parents telling them to take a break, so it's important you stress why they should. Don't just let your child be; Allow them to express their frustrations and guide them along the way.
When you observe changes in your child's behavior, keep in mind that online school during a pandemic is tough. As a parent, it's vital to check on your child's mental health. When your child feels that you're a stable supporter or listener, they will feel comfortable enough to open up. Once your child opens up, you get to give them the support they need.
Related: Managing Your School Life During COVID-19
