The COVID-19 pandemic is still impacting lives all over the globe. Now that the fall season has finally arrived, it’s even impacting the way schools are being run this year. Many children are having to participate in remote/eLearning for the first time. 

 

Unfortunately, for many kids, learning at home isn’t easy. There are more distractions, less direct guidance, and there are always risks of technological issues. But, nearly 6 million kids in the U.S. alone are doing it this year. If yours is one of them, you might already be realizing some of the potential struggles that can come with it. 

 

One of the biggest challenges is keeping your child engaged when they have to sit in front of a computer for several hours a day. So, how can you accomplish that and help them to avoid burnout?

 

Let’s look at a few tips. 

 

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Develop a Routine

 

If your child was attending school in-person, they would undoubtedly have to have a routine every morning and night. They would wake up at the same time, take a shower, eat breakfast, etc. 

 

The same type of routine should be done every day, even if they are remote learning. This will help them get into the right mindset to be “ready for school”. Children thrive on routines, and it’s a great way to start the day. 

 

If you’re working from home, developing a daily routine can also help to motivate you. If you’re pulling double duty as your child’s teacher while you’re working, don’t be afraid to grab that extra cup of coffee. You can learn about Nespresso vs Keurig to decide which machine is right for you. 

 

Have a Designated Learning Area

 

When a child has to go to school in their own home, it’s easy for them to get distracted by the things around them. 

 

One of the best ways to eliminate that is to have a designated area for their schooling. It could be a separate room, or just a small section of a room. It could even be your dining room table, if it’s free from other distractions. 

 

They need to know that the space that is selected is only to be used for learning during certain hours of the day. Try to avoid using areas like the living room or a play room, as there are often too many distractions there. 

 

Encourage Breaks

 

If your child’s school has a specific online schedule to follow, make sure they stick to it. But, whenever you can, encourage your child to take breaks. Keeping your kids entertained at home isn’t always easy, but what’s more important than entertainment? De-stressing. 

 

Children are just as susceptible to stress and anxiety as adults. These are uncertain times for them, too. So, as often as you can, encourage them to step away from the computer. Go on a walk outside, play a game, or just relax together throughout the day. 

 

By keeping some of these tips in mind, you can make the remote learning experience a more positive one for both you and your child, and take comfort in knowing things will eventually return to normal!