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Whether your child is back at school in-person, hybrid or e-learning, getting your child to focus on distance learning can be challenging. Parents are expected to be more involved and support hybrid and distance learning. But, remember, it’s also challenging to children because they are being asked to participate and engage with new learning modalities. Without an effective plan, it can be easy for children to become disengaged, causing frustration for the entire family.

Here are some tips for helping your kids get and stay on track.

• Adjust your expectations—hybrid and distance learning are not going to be exactly like full-time, in-person classes. Being in front of a screen all day is both mentally and physically taxing. While high schoolers can do work for longer periods of time, younger children will need more breaks and time for play.
• Make a flexible schedule—synchronous sessions (real-time video sessions with their teachers) helps structure the day and keeps a schedule, but it also leads to screen burnout. The amount of synchronous learning varies by school district, but many children are doing some work asynchronously (on their own). Making a schedule and dedicating time for all classes will help with consistency, but being flexible is recommended. This means, allow children to power through a task if they are focused and engaged, however, be willing to give children breaks when they seem overwhelmed.
• Take physical exercise breaks—sitting in front of a screen all day is draining, so it may seem like the best break is sitting and not looking at a screen, but actually the best break is being active. While some research claims that it’s best to get 10 minutes of physical movement for every 50 minutes of being stationary, incorporating as few as two (15-20 minute) exercise breaks in the day will immensely help you and your kids focus. Exercise ideas include short walks, bike rides/stationary cycling, yoga/stretching videos, and free weights.
• Reduce distractions by cultivating an ideal setting—when designating workspace for your family, do your best to reduce noise or clutter. Consider playing instrumental music or nature sounds to drown out any distractions that could distract from learning. Designate each family member their own clean, hard surface workspace such as a desk, kitchen table, or even a folding table. The key is to spread out enough so everyone has their own space.
• Rely on a checklist—help your kids stay organized by using a check-list system. Consider doing it by hand rather than digitally. Whiteboards are a great idea. Get one per family member, so that everyone has to take some responsibility for their own work.
• Give positive feedback—children need reinforcement and they are likely getting less from their actual teachers in hybrid and distance learning situations. Be sure to give your kids positive reinforcement when they have done a good job.

Above all else, stay positive and keep moving forward. Change is inevitable. Do your best to be adaptable to better handle and adjust to changing learning situations.