Written by: Isabelle Saunders
Kids in school have gotten used to something of an academic bicycle. They’re connected: if they fall, the bicycle comes down with them. They’re given tangible attention and help to right themselves. With the rise of virtual learning, however, has emerged the academic motorboat. Students feel that if they fall, the boat will speed right along without them. The more distant, impersonal nature makes it all too easy to lose track of everything, and for assignments to build up without students even realizing it. This being said, online school anxiety is real and prominent. So, as a parent, how should you help your child stay firmly on the motorboat? And, since they’re bound to slip up at some point, how can you help them back on?
Help them keep their life structured
One of the biggest things behind virtual learning burnout is the lack of structure that a day without school has brought. A loose day off is nice in moderation, but when it’s every single day, you lose your productivity.
Remind your child to get dressed in normal clothes, even if they won’t be going anywhere (this actually works wonders for mental health!).
If possible, help them designate their own workspace (a desk, a table, a spot in their room, etc) and keep it clean, organized, and visually appealing.
Make sure they’re eating- if their school is doing all-day zoom classes, it can be easy for them to forget. By keeping up a regular, healthy diet, they will feel so much better and ready to seize the day.
To the best of your ability, plan the day. If they’re suffering from boredom, have them do activities that they’re able to. For locations more lenient with COVID-19 regulations, this will be far more. If your area is stricter, do your best to add fun and structure to their day at home! Check Pinterest for projects, teach them to cook, get them into reading, start a garden. Anything that makes them happy and passes the time will perk them up considerably. Try not to let them feel like they’re rotting!
If you’re a visual type, draw out a schedule. Have time allotted for homework. Suggest that they install an organizational reminders app on their phone to keep up with their assignments, or look into helping them make a schedule board.
Reach out to teachers
If possible, get in touch with their teachers and ask for a written-out assignments list. Treat it like a checklist. Most schools have websites where you can check your child’s grades at any time, and your child can use this to make sure they’re on track. If your child’s school doesn’t have a website like this, ask teachers directly about grades.
These tips are most helpful for keeping your child on the boat, but what happens when they fall off?
Be easygoing and understanding
Your child is under a fair amount of stress, and even as you go about helping them, it’s important that you stay relaxed. If you get onto them, you’re adding excess pressure that will do the opposite of what you’re intending. Remind them to take regular breaks.
Reduce distractions
If your child needs to make up work they’ve forgotten about, remove things that will slow them down. If you have other children, try not to let them come up to your child and distract them. Don’t have the TV up loud around them or try to talk to them about other things that aren’t immediately important. Music while doing schoolwork, if not actively distracting, is okay. It helps stimulate the brain and make work more enjoyable.
Help your child stay social
Friends can help your child through so many rough times, especially academically. Suggest to your child that they FaceTime a friend for a study session. Let them joke around and talk when they’re done. This relieves anxiety and can help them learn more effectively with the ease of talking to a friend.
Above all, remember to be empathetic. Let them know you’re there for them- no one wants to feel alone.
For more information, check out the links below.
https://xqsuperschool.org/rethinktogether/parent-remote-learning-tips-resources/
https://education.jhu.edu/2020/04/8tipsforfocus/