This school year is unlike any other year with many parents having to teach their children at home due to COVID-19. We know many parents are figuring how to balance working and teaching while maintaining their sanity. Below are some tips to help manage your children’s schedule during this unprecedented time:
Form a routine:
As the schools start date approaches, have conversations with your child/children to let them know that their schedule will be more structured.
- Have the same bedtime and wake up time
- Make sure your child has periods of no screen time
- Create schedules around dinner time and lunch time
- Maintain a regular school day schedule with breaks and time for lunch
- Make sure they start the day with a healthy breakfast
Keeping a routine for your children will help keep a sense of normalcy during these stressful times.
Stay present with your children:
Children can tell when parents are worried and pick up their feelings. There are a few things you can do to help:
- Talk to your children about why these times are different but that they are also temporary
- Check in with your children regularly and ask how they are doing and let them express themselves
- If possible, schedule time outside the house with your children. Visit local parks, go for walks, or pack picnics so they get fresh air and a chance to be away from screens
- If possible, schedule time with your children’s friends. If they can’t meet in-person, schedule calls or have your kids write them letters
Model Good Behavior:
Children model their parent’s behavior and setting a good example during this time is critical:
- Wear a mask when you are out of the house and explain why it is important to wear a mask to your children. Answer any questions they might have about wearing a mask
- Wash your hands regularly, especially whenever you touch something outside of the house. Teach your children about the importance of hand washing
- Maintain social distancing and model how social distancing works in public spaces so your children understand by your behavior.
- Keep talking to your children about why it is necessary to use these precautions
This is a difficult time for many families but there are ways to help manage the stress during this time. Keeping a routine and having conversations about the current situation will help keep families surreal during this surreal time.