Your Best Five Tips for a Successful Back to School During Covid-19
Yes, it is back to school COVID-19 remote style.
The way our children return to school this fall, we can all agree, will not be the same as it was the beginning of the school year in 2019. Many of us did not end the last school year gracefully. Some of us limped our way across the finish line. We became reluctant teachers as our kids entered yet another Zoom class. But the good thing is, one term later, we are much better at this ‘school from home thing’. We are no longer stumbling to find the log-in details. And our kids are showing up ready and on time to their virtual classes after that long trip down the stairs and across the hallway.
We can all agree as parents that the quality of our children’s education is a priority and that we will do our best to achieve a realistic level of success this ‘new’ normal year. So how do we get ahead of the curve in this unconventional school year? Here are 5 foolproof strategies:
Put your ‘mask’ on first: We must lead with our own self-care. Studies prove repeatedly that when we take care of ourselves first, we can give more of ourselves to others. I know at times it feels counterintuitive but trust me, the other way does not work. Airlines demand this so we know it will work for our small ‘crew’ at home. So go for that walk before the kids get up, have your devotion, meditate and nourish your relationship with your partner. These times demand that we take care of ourselves to avoid exhaustion and burnout while parenting, homeschooling and working remotely.
Establish a clear school/work structure: When there is structure our children feel secure. Set clear routines for the mornings and end of day. Display in a public space the class schedule and break times. Establish a shift-system for parents or other adults for oversight. Include this information in the schedule. Creating this sense of normalcy is crucial as children learn to thrive during this difficult period and will set them up to succeed in life.
Set clear physical demarcation of workspaces: It does not matter whether school will take place at the communal dining table, a corner spot on the patio, in your child’s bedroom or even if your child is physically attending school on some days of the week. Just make the designated work zones clear to the child(ren). Tip: Consider hanging a ‘’Do not Disturb’ sign or any other agreed markers so children know when not to interrupt parents while working.
Manage Information: Cut down on how often you engage with channels where fear feeds on itself. This could be social media, cable news, and frenzied conversations with friends and co-workers. Distinguish between people who are speculating and those who have sound information. Share age-appropriate information and do research together as a family about what is happening. Tip: When we parent from a peaceful mindset our children are less anxious.
Make Time for Fun: Take advantage of this full access to your children. What fun things can you start doing together? How about camping in the backyard, going for long drives, playing tennis or golf, or trying a new activity? When we intentionally build great memories with our children, we create a harmonious home, we build lasting relationships and we get an opportunity to share our values with our kids. Get creative and make plans for 2020 to be the year you ‘knocked it out of the park’. Let this be the year your children will say for years to come ‘remember in 2020 when we ….’ Fill in the blank.
The way we parent is never fixed. We will continue to evolve. The world around us will continue to change. We must parent with confidence in the ‘next’ normal dominated by technology, physical distancing, mask wearing and remote working. Parents, you got this! If there is one thing we are good at, it is being able to adapt and protect our precious offspring – no matter their age. I know we got this parent class of 2020. Covid-19 look out; do not mess with our kids!
