I am a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, business owner, and mother of two children (ages 10 and 7). Like the rest of the world, she was not prepared for the quarantine, isolation, and social estrangement that took place. Like many of you, my children and I were confused (“What? A new virus that does what?”), Sometimes excited (“Don’t we have to go to school?!”) And fearful (“Stay away from that man, mom. He has the crown! ”) It really has been a mixture of feelings, all valid.
But now that summer is in full swing, and we are thinking about reopening the school, I firmly believe that it is time to prepare the children for what is to come. This is how I think we can prepare our children to go back to school this fall (which honestly is just around the corner).
Start the conversation now
Neither of us wants to make a last minute decision on something that is particularly important. Before this year, you probably hadn’t thought much about whether your kids were going to school or not. This year, it is different. Therefore, it is important to talk to your children now and often as they brainstorm what school would be like. Complete day? Partial days? Virtual? School in house? Private teacher? There are many options, but you won’t know the best one unless you have these conversations.
Get the kids to socialize
Regardless of what you decide about the type of education or education your children receive, many children need to learn to be sociable again. Helping your child to socialize meaningfully and safely will be important in reducing isolation, improving mood, and preparing her for the influx of social interactions in the fall (especially if they return to school). Here are some tips for How to play safely, and here are some Zoom ideas, if you’d rather stick with virtual locks.
Set bedtime and wakeup time
Don’t do it all at once, but this will be important when fall comes. Then slowly and gradually begin to adjust your sleep-wake cycle to do your whole family a favor. After all, going from 9 am to 6 am is best done over time.
Read 20 minutes per day
It is a small thing, but very important. If your kids are on their devices all day (I’ll talk about that next), they will have less desire or willpower to read. This will make it difficult to get into the school routine. Reading helps with understanding, spelling, and developing your child’s vocabulary and language skills. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to snuggle up before bed.
Limit screen time
Probably the most challenging thing in history. However, off screen time encourages healthy social skills and physical activity. Children who use fewer devices learn to better regulate their focus, attention, and emotions. What is the end goal? No more than two hours a day (eek!) I know, I know. Just try to do it gradually.
Accept that you will probably be behind this academic year
When your children return to school, it is important to accept that they will have gaps in their learning of the fiasco that was their last academic year. They may not have learned or understood various concepts. It’s okay. Be patient and gentle with this process. Remember this to your teachers, you and your children. This will also be an important conversation to have with your children when they talk about what school will be like.
Just remember: We are all encouraging and discovering this as we go along. Psychological flexibility, adaptation to changing conditions and correction of the course will be its main assets.
RELATED: What will school be like in September?
