Oh no, schools out, now what?!
Schools are shut down and we are all stuck at home, indefinitely. Initially, for kiddos, this may seem very exciting because their thought is “No, school!” This may be short lived and possibly comparable to summer. However, summer is typically planned with summer programs, pre-planned activities, and parents may be off of work. In this case, everything may seem overwhelming because parents were not able to plan and kiddos may not have enough activities to sustain them. We have received several concerns about how to manage the day. Below you will find examples:
You’re at home and the teacher has sent home several assignments but they may only take a hours.
- At best, maintain the same structure as if the child were going to school (this will reduce behavioral challenges, especially if/when school restarts). -waking up at the same time, eating breakfast, changing out of night clothes
- Following breakfast, they can begin any assignments they may have from school (split the assignments up) Assignment 1 occurs in the morning. Remember that kids are used to a lot of movement at school- more than you probably realize. If your child is having trouble sitting still at the table- be open to alternatives. Could they do their homework laying on the kitchen floor?
- Assign an activity such as puzzles, board games, or something that does not require technology. Allow for a mid-morning snack.
- Free time outside to play and get sunshine—if the outdoor weather is not suitable for playing, move the cars from the garage, or drive to a parking garage (safety first!) and allow them to jump rope, or run around to get some energy out. Another option is to do indoor yoga for 30 minutes
- Have them come inside and help fix lunch…during this time they may watch a 30 min television show or something else electronic based
- Sit down and complete another assignment (if the school has not assigned any work; younger kids can work on in-home math or reading workbooks, read a book/ older kids read books, practice areas of concern without time limits or pressure.
- Mid-day snack
- At this time, this should be when school would release and your family can continue their typical routine. If homework is in the routine, then assign assignment 3 at this time. This may include the kids going outside again and doing another physical activity prior to dinner.
If your kiddo’s school has implemented virtual teaching or tutoring, the above may not apply to you but below are some keys goals that can be implemented.
Goals:
- Maintain structure!!!!!
- Reduce screen-time- maintain household rules when it comes to screens
- Include physical activity—get outside as much as possible
- Maintain healthy diets (limiting sugars and processed foods, which may increase challenging behaviors)
- Get sunlight and fresh oxygen
- Reduce anxiety about the virus (see our related articles)
- Take advantage of family time (playing board games, communicating, and spending quality time with children without the hectic schedules)
This time can also be utilized to engage as a family and spend time playing with your kiddos whether they are 3 or 13. Children thrive on their parent’s healthy attention. As a parent, you must also manage your time with your children but keep in mind that you need time for yourself! Making sure they are going to bed on time, and continuing to follow through with all expectations of the household (do not allow them to manipulate you during this time) can be crucial on increasing ‘parent time’. It is easy to give in to kiddos during an uncertain chaotic time. Try as much as possible to maintain structure!!! If your kiddo is experiencing higher than normal symptoms of anxiety due to the virus, please check out our recent blogs on the virus and anxiety.
We know this time may be challenging and we are here to help. Please reach out with any concerns or necessary support needed for your child. Remember, we are now offering teletherapy to help parents and their children thrive in a time of uncertainty.