Back to School
Parents are facing an incredibly difficult set of circumstances as they prepare to send kids back to school. Based on the district, re-opening plans vary widely. While private schools in the WNY area will offer full five-day, in-person instruction, most public school districts have opted for a hybrid format where families can choose between completely virtual or sending kids in two days each week.
With so many uncertainties (and frequent changes from districts and schools), it’s challenging for parents to make and feel confident in their decisions. However, whether you send your kids back to school for full-time, part-time, or virtual e-learning, here are some overall tips to help with a smoother transition.
Stick to a schedule:
Consistency is key for kids to succeed, especially with a mix of in-person and e-learning. This means, even though it’s tough to motivate yourself or your kids, it’s best to get up at the same time every day Monday through Friday. If kids need to be up at 7 a.m. for in-person learning, they should also get up and ready for e-learning at the same time. The daily schedule will help your kids stay on track when working from home as well. Scheduling breaks for exercise and mindfulness are strongly encouraged to keep mental health boosted.
Prioritize mental health and well-being:
Do your best to focus on both you and your children’s mental health. Go easy on yourself and your kids by allowing for more leeway with work. Parents should cut themselves a break, as it’s incredibly hard to manage your own work and also assist your kids with partial or full e-learning. Additionally, many kids are having a hard time adjusting and may not be as engaged or interested as they normally would be. Practice patience and understanding by prioritizing flexibility. Ideas to boost mental health include dedicating time for mindfulness and exercise, being open to seek therapy if you or your kids are having an especially rough time, and focusing on the positive aspect of your lives.
Limit online device usage:
While the internet is a game changer to make it possible for kids to learn remotely, remember the old saying about “too much of a good thing.” Try your best to limit screen time when not in virtual classes. While games, texting, and TikTok seem like a great way to reward your kids for staying on track, do your best to integrate other positive influences. Parents are busier than ever trying to work and monitor their kids’ studies, but it’s important to dedicate time for fun (non-screen activities).
Plan for family time:
In a world where most parents are exhausted by the end of the day, it’s hard to find motivation for family activities. However, with less parties and playdates to attend because of the pandemic, make an effort to plan more family only activities. Ideas include swimming, hiking, dog walking, swing-set playing, and riding bikes. Also look for fall ideas like planting and growing pumpkins.