Jessica nelson, cnp, winona health pediatrics

by Jessica Nelson, CNP, Winona Health Pediatrics

As kids are still adjusting to the many changes with the way they are learning this year, parents are challenged to provide them with support as they adapt as well. Stay-at-home parents are tasked with changing their routines and putting on their “teacher hat” to help navigate their children through the school day. Working parents are managing a “new normal” when it comes to scheduling work and school for their families. This is a difficult time for everyone, and we will get through it, one way or another, together.

As a mom to five children ranging from three to 15 years old, I understand some of the challenges. As we approach holiday break, take the opportunity to pause and evaluate what is and isn’t working for you and your children. Here are a few tips for making distance/hybrid learning more manageable.

• Help your child make a dedicated workspace with limited distractions and equipped with all of their school supplies. Make sure their computers are charged and ready for use each day. Help them to stay organized by keeping their materials in one designated area. If their workspace is a common area, like the dining room table, then keep their supplies in a basket to pull out each morning when they set up their workspace.
• Keep the daily routine the same: Get up at the same time each day and keep the morning schedule the same as it was before distance learning. Example: get up, eat breakfast, get dressed, brush teeth, get ready for the “school” day, etc. Have an end-of-the-school-day routine to transition into the “after-school” part of the day. For example, they can tidy up their work space and put their supplies away so they are organized for the next day.
• Write up a schedule and keep it visible to help keep everyone organized, as this will reduce the stress of having to remember what to do next. For younger children, use a white board with words they can read, or use pictures so they can more independently see what is expected next. For older children, help them make a checklist so they can mark off tasks as they get them completed throughout the day.
• Set expectations for your children and make sure they understand them. Parents will need to be flexible but, remember, you set the tone for the day! Children take cues from the adults who surround them, so maintain a positive perspective despite the challenges.

Remember, you are not in this alone! It is important to keep in close contact with your child’s teacher, as they are vital to your child’s learning. Teachers are working diligently to make the most of distance learning as they adapt to this new way of teaching. They are there to help as we take on this new role of learning facilitators at home.

During the rough spots, remind yourself that no one is perfect, and it’s okay. So, do your best in each moment, be kind to your child, to your child’s teacher, and, be kind to yourself.