How would you love to reduce stress in your home during virtual learning?
Like it or not, Virtual Learning may be a part of your reality this year, whether as a parent or teacher. I’d like to share five simple tips that have helped to reduce stress in my household as we navigate learning from home.
#1 Designate a Home Learning Space
All learning doesn’t have to take place at a desk, but your child should have a home base. Look around your home and try to re-purpose furniture and supplies that you already have. Make sure your child has a flat surface to set up their computer, a place to store supplies they will need nearby, and focus on eliminating distractions.
Also, consider setting up a designated “reading area”. It can be as simple as the couch in your living room, or a comfy chair in the corner of a bedroom. Help your kids form the habit of getting up and changing their environment when they don’t have to be in front of the computer. The more this can be done, the better… for everyone’s mental health!
#2 Set Expectations from the First Day (and earlier!)
Start the conversation about what virtual school will be like at least a week before you begin. Let your children know that, even though they will be at home, Monday through Friday are school days. Implement similar routines that you have during “regular school”.
These could include:
*Making sure devices are plugged in and charging where they will be used the next morning.
*Laying out school clothes the night before
*Setting an alarm
*Writing out a short to-do list for each morning (get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth)
*Consider what your lunch and snack routine will look like. If there is a way for your kids to help, set the expectation of what they should do each day, whether it’s making their own food, pouring water for everyone and setting the table, or helping to clean up.
#3 Set a Positive Atmosphere
This will look different for every family, but a few things that have helped us “lift the mood” in our household have been:
*Open all the blinds before school starts. My kids work in a room next to our front door and we even leave the door open during the day (we have a glass door to keep bugs out and a/c in!), but every bit of natural sunlight we can bring in makes everyone feel better.
*Start the day with a positive attitude. Easier said, than done, right? But if you can get up, clap your hands, and say “Let’s make today the best!” it can make a huge difference! (Pro-parenting tip: Teach your kids who are early-risers and able, how to make coffee, so that it’s ready when you roll out of bed – it’s a game changer!)
*Don’t skip P.E.! It’s easy to overlook “Specials” when your day is so full, but keep physical activity high on your list of priorities…. again, for everyone’s mental health! During recess, make sure they are playing outside and not in front of a screen. If the weather is bad, have them do a physical activity inside, even if it means watching a video on YouTube, like yoga for kids or a dance video. We even keep our bikes by the front door, so we when they have a 10 minute break, they can easily hop on and go for a quick ride and use some of that pent-up energy!
*Consider playing soft music in the background. This may help your child focus or distract them, depending on their personality, so pay attention to whether or not it actually helps if you give this a try!
#4 Information at your (and your child’s) Fingertips
For virtual learning, think about what is going to make your life as a parent easier. Train your children in those first few weeks how access their own lessons, log on to meetings, etc. Bookmark commonly used sites on their internet toolbar and keep a list of all of their passwords and usernames on a clipboard or paper next to their computer. Always keep in mind that a huge goal during the school year is to foster independence and self-confidence! You will be amazed our tech-savvy your children will become with a little guidance and training. Even your kinder babies!
#5 Don’t be Afraid to Change!
When you implement any new routine, give yourself and your kids time to make it a habit and work out the kinks, BUT if it’s just not working for your family, don’t be afraid to scratch it off your list! Give yourself grace above all else and when something just isn’t working, try something new! Keep your mind on the vision you have for your family for the next few weeks or months. Don’t give up and keep looking for the routines that will work best for you!
